Colorado Becomes 22nd State To Abolish Death Penalty

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis signed a death penalty repeal bill Monday, making Colorado one of 22 states in the nation to abolish the death penalty. The governor also commuted the sentences of three men on death row.

Robert Ray, Sir Mario Owens and Nathan Dunlap will now serve life in prison without parole.

“Commutations are typically granted to reflect evidence of extraordinary change in the offender," Polis said in a statement. "That is not why I am commuting these sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"Rather, the commutations of these despicable and guilty individuals are consistent with the abolition of the death penalty in the State of Colorado, and consistent with the recognition that the death penalty cannot be, and never has been, administered equitably in the State of Colorado.

“While I understand that some victims agree with my decision and others disagree, I hope this decision provides clarity and certainty for them moving forward. The decision to commute these sentences was made to reflect what is now Colorado law, and done after a thorough outreach process to the victims and their families."

After many hours of debate, Colorado's House of Representatives approved the bill in a 38-27 vote Feb. 26.

Rep. Tom Sullivan, a Democrat whose son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, opposed the bill. He and two other Democrats, Reps. Kyle Mullica and Brianna Titone, voted against the measure. Other Democrats have called the death penalty system unjust and not cost-effective.

No Republicans voted for the measure.

Now that Polis has signed the bill, those who commit crimes on or after July 1 won't face the death penalty.