Alabama Governor Intervenes in 1991 Death Row Case, Commuting Sentence

Governor Kay Ivey has commuted Robin “Rocky” Myers’ death sentence to life without parole amid ongoing doubts about his 1991 murder conviction.

Key Takeaways

Governor Ivey has commuted Myers’ death sentence over doubts about his guilt.
Myers maintains his innocence, which conflicts with the 1994 trial outcome.
Attorney General Steve Marshall objects to the move and is “bewildered that Ivey didn’t communicate with him about it.
Death Penalty Action and Amnesty International welcomed the commutation.
This commutation is Ivey’s first intervention since taking office in 2017.

Governor’s Decision Explained

Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama commuted the death sentence of Robin D. “Rocky” Myers, instead determining that he should spend the rest of his life in prison. She cited concerns about his potential innocence. Myers was convicted for the murder of Ludie Mae Tucker in 1991. Myers has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he was not at the scene.

The jury from Myers’ 1994 trial recommended a life sentence, yet Circuit Court Judge Claude Bennett McRae had imposed the death penalty instead. Ivey referenced conflicting evidence, such as a lack of physical evidence, including DNA and the murder weapon. This led her to doubt Myers’ guilt and commute the sentence.

Reactions to the Commutation

The decision was met with mixed reactions. Attorney General Steve Marshall remarked, “I am astonished by Governor Ivey’s decision to commute the death sentence of Rocky Myers and am bewildered that she chose not to directly communicate with me about this case or her decision.”

Conversely, organizations like Death Penalty Action and Amnesty International supported the decision. They praised Ivey for considering the real doubts surrounding Myers’ conviction. A juror from the original trial, Mae Puckett, now believes Myers is innocent and supported the commutation.

So very grateful tonight!!! https://t.co/EWvGFP7IBq

— Justice For Rocky Myers (@Justice4RockyM) February 28, 2025

Implications of Ivey’s Choice

This marked the first execution Ivey halted since taking office in 2017. Lawyers have pointed out multiple failures in Myers’ case, including missed deadlines and unreliable testimony. This commutation is the first of its kind in Alabama since 1999.

Ivey expressed gratitude towards the Tucker family and the AG’s office for cooperating in the case. She stated, “I pray that the Tucker family may, in some way, find closure and peace knowing this case is closed, and Mr. Myers will spend the rest of his life in prison.”