Entertainment Report
Colorado is the latest state to abolish the death penalty
(CNN) — The death penalty will soon be no more in Colorado.
Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation on Monday abolishing the death penalty, making Colorado the 22nd state to do so.
He 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 the possibility of parole, according to a news release.
“Commutations are typically granted to reflect evidence of extraordinary change in the offender. That is not why I am commuting these sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole,” Polis said in a statement.
“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.”
Some families of victims were opposed
The bill repeals the death penalty for offenses charged on or after July 1, 2020. Defendants convicted of offenses charged before that date could still be subject to the death penalty, and according to the Denver Post, at least one person is facing trial in a case that could result in the death penalty.
While advocacy organizations celebrated Polis’ decision, others were against it.
Among those opponents included state Sen. Rhonda Fields. Ray, one of the men whose sentences was commuted by Polis, was convicted in the killing of Javad Marshall Fields, the son of Fields, and his fiance, Vivian Wolfe.
“Dear Colorado, Today…@GovofCO commutes capital punishment sentences of those who killed my son and bride to be,” Fields tweeted. “In a stoke of a pen Gov Polis hijacks justice and undermines our criminal justice system.”
Polis said in his statement that the decision was made after a “thorough outreach process” to victims and their families.
“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 governor’s statement read.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado also acknowledged those who opposed abolishing the death penalty, though it called the repeal long overdue.
“It is a difficult issue for many people, but we have come to learn the reasons that the death penalty should be a thing of the past: it does not deter crime, it is arbitrary and often discriminatory in its application, it lengthens the trial process and is much more costly than alternatives, it places a heavy burden on those who must carry it out, and it can and does make fatal, irreversible mistakes,” the organization’s executive director Nathan Woodliff-Stanley said in a statement.
The death penalty is on the decline
Capital punishment across the US remained near “historic lows” last year, according to a report by the Death Penalty Information Center.
The organization said that 22 people were executed in 2019 — the second fewest since 1991.
That decline is also supported by public opinion.
A majority of Americans said that life in prison with no possibility of parole was a better punishment for murder than the death penalty, according to a Gallup poll published in 2019. It was first time in at least 30 years that most Americans preferred a life sentence, the company said.
The-CNN-Wire
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 24, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry