Alabama governor commutes death sentence as doubts emerge about evidence in murder conviction
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has commuted Toforest Johnson’s death sentence to life in prison without parole, citing concerns that the evidence did not justify carrying out an execution. Johnson was convicted of the 1995 killing of off-duty Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff William Hardy; Ivey said her decision was not a finding that Johnson is innocent.
The case has drawn calls for a new trial from Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr and former judges and prosecutors, who have questioned the prosecution’s key witness and cited alibi evidence. The witness said she overheard Johnson confess during a phone call and received a $5,000 reward in 2001; Johnson’s lawyers say the state withheld evidence of that incentive. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall opposed clemency, while Johnson’s lawyers say they will continue seeking to overturn his conviction.
- Ivey commuted Johnson’s death sentence to life without parole.
- The governor cited concerns about the evidence, not a finding of innocence.
- Supporters have called for a new trial amid questions about testimony and alibi evidence.