Thank you for continuing to stand with Sonny Burton. Momentum is growing as more people learn his story, raise their voices, and come together in support of mercy during this critical time.
actions & events
March 9: Mercy Monday and Petition Drop
Join faith leaders and community members as we deliver more than 60,000 petition signatures to the Governor Ivey's Office. Sonny faces execution despite never having killed anyone, a fact recognized by the state, six of his original jurors, and even the victim's daughter. More than 65,000 people have signed the petition asking the governor to do the right thing and grant Sonny clemency.
When & Where:
7:30 AM: Gather at the Governor’s Mansion (1142 Perry St., Montgomery, AL).
8:00 AM: Begin the 1.5-mile march to the Alabama State Capitol.
8:30 AM:Arrival at the Capitol (600 Dexter Ave) and delivery of petitions.
Livestream: If you cannot join us in person, please tune in to our live broadcast from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM to witness the march and the formal delivery of signatures.
If you are unable to walk the 1.5-mile route, please drive ahead and meet the group at the State Capitol at 8:30 AM.
Your presence, whether walking or waiting at the Capitol, is a vital testament to the value of every human life.
What’s Happening Right Now in Sonny’s Case? Join Us Live March 9 at 6pm ET.
The Life for Sonny Burton (@Life4SonnyB) team is going live on Instagram with Death Penalty Action (DPA) and So.Informed. Get the newest updates, hear directly from those working on Sonny’s case, and learn the most important ways you can help right now. Tap here to join live.
March 9 | 8 PM ET – National Prayer Call for Charles "Sonny" Burton
Hosted by the Faith Leaders of Color Coalition (FLOCC) and the Julius Jones Institute (JJI), faith leaders, advocates, and family members will gather tomorrow during the sacred month of Ramadan for a time of prayer, calling for mercy, justice, and protection for Charles “Sonny” Burton. The gathering will unite voices of faith and community while urging supporters everywhere to take action to save Sonny’s life. Register here.
March 12 | 12–6 PM CT – Six Hours for Sonny Vigil at the Alabama State Capitol
On Thursday, March 12, supporters will gather on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol for Six Hours for Sonny, a six-hour vigil in solidarity with Sonny Burton and his family during the final hours before his scheduled execution.
From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM CT, faith leaders, advocates, and community members will come together to call for mercy and clemency.
Global Livestream
At approximately 4:00 PM CT, we will broadcast a livestream from the Capitol steps, bringing this moment to supporters across the country.
Speakers will include voices from the Julius Jones Institute and Rev. R.K. Smith, with additional guests to be announced.
Supporters everywhere will be able to watch, bear witness, and stand with Sonny in real time.
Watch for the livestream link on Sonny’s social channels on March 12.
We’ve heard from an inside source that the Governor’s phone lines have been flooded with calls about Sonny. That pressure matters, and it must continue.
If you live in Alabama, your voice carries even more weight.
Don’t let the phones go quiet. Call today.
Staff track every call, and your voice can make a difference. Here's a script you can follow or personalize.
Phone Script
Hello, my name is _____________ and I live in ______________.
I’m calling to urge Governor Ivey to grant clemency to Mr. Charles “Sonny” Burton before his scheduled execution on March 12. Sonny did not kill anyone, and the State agreed to resentence the person who committed the shooting to life without parole. Executing Sonny now would be deeply unjust.
I respectfully ask the Governor to review his case and commute his sentence to life without parole. There is still time to prevent an irreversible mistake.
Thank you for taking my call.
the latest happenings
Recording | The Virtual Press Conference
A Call for Mercy for Sonny Burton
A man who did not kill anyone faces execution on March 12.
The clock is ticking. With Sonny Burton’s March 12 execution date approaching, attorney and advocate Rabia Chaudry emceed this urgent virtual press conference, where legal advocates and faith leaders came together to call for clemency and raise awareness about the case. Watch the recording.
in the news
Sonny’s case continues to draw attention from media outlets and community leaders calling for mercy.
Thank you for continuing to stand with Sonny and his family during this critical time. Momentum is building. Voices are growing. And mercy is still possible.
Together, we keep showing up.
To find Sonny’s story, share more information about his case with others, sign the petition, and learn more visit his website https://www.charlessonnyburton.com.
With gratitude,
Team Sonny
Your continued presence and commitment matter deeply. This newsletter will continue weekly as we stand together in this call for mercy for Sonny.
Have questions or need more information? Contact us at:
