Legislators Introduce Bill To Repeal Death Penalty In Delaware - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

DOVER, Del. - It's been a hot topic on the Eastern Shore - the death penalty. Does it deter crime? How effective is it?

Dozens gathered at Legislative Hall in Dover in support of a bill to repeal the death penalty and replace it with life without parole. The legislation would also change the sentences of the 17 men currently on death row to life imprisonment without parole

Kristin Froehlich knows the pain that comes with losing a family member to violent crime. Her brother David and four of his friends were murdered back in 1995 - but she says she wasn't after revenge.

"Everything that has helped me heal thus far has had nothing to do with the man who murdered my brother," she said.

That's one reason legislators, and community and religious leaders want to put an end to the death penalty.

Senator Karen Peterson sponsors the bill- saying capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime.

"States with the death penalty have a higher murder rate than those without the death penalty. And it's a substantial difference between 48% to 101% more violent crime. It's time for Delaware to end the insanity of killing killers," she said.

Peterson says studies prove that it is far more expensive to execute a person than to keep them alive in prison for life without parole. The state of Maryland found that it costs taxpayers $3 million on average for a death penalty trial compared to the $1.1 million it costs to keep them behind bars.

"That's money that's better spent on more policing in our communities to keep it safe," Peterson said.

She also says capital punishment is highly discriminatory.

"We know that guilty rich people don't get executed. But the poor, the mentally ill, the drug addicted and people of color do," she said.

Their biggest opposition? Law enforcement.

"The police and the attorney general of course are sticking together. They want to be tough on crime so they're sticking together. Will it make the job harder to get the bill passed? Sure. But do I think we can still get it passed? Yes," Senator Peterson said.

Reports also show that many on death row have been found not guilty through DNA evidence.

142 death row inmates have been exonerated and released from prison in this country over the past 40 years, reiterating Senator Peterson's point that a lot of money is being wasted that could be better spent on public policy.

The bill now goes to a judiciary committee hearing next Wednesday, March 20. If released from the committee, it will hit the Senate floor for debate. 

Wednesday, March 13, Delaware Police Chief's Council will hold a press conference at 2 PM at the police memorial at Legislative hall to rally in support of keeping the death penalty in the first state.