South Dakota Repeal Narrowly Fails in Committee Vote

"A bill to end the death penalty in South Dakota dies in committee," is by Mark Russo for KELO-AM-FM.

Choking back tears, Lynette Johnson, whose state prison guard husband, Ron, was murdered by inmates, begged a House Committee Friday not to abolish the death penalty in South Dakota.

And:

But Leonard Eberly of Rapid City, who lost a son to murder, urged lawmakers to end the death penalty. He said he only found peace after he was able to forgive.

Friday's testimony was long, sincere, and often emotional, but in the end the House State Affairs Committee narrowly rejected the bill, 7-6.

Earlier coverage from South Dakota begins at the link. Related posts are in the abolition and state legislation category index.