Repeal of the death penalty is on the table for Delaware lawmakers, which would turn the sentences of the current 17 death row inmates into life without parole.
Today, a bipartisan rally in Dover will be led by Democratic Senator Karen Peterson along with Republican Senate Minority leader Gary Simpson and the American Civil Liberties Union in support of the measure.
But Simpson admitted he expects strong opposition from the Delaware Police Chief’s Council and the Delaware State Troopers Association.
These opponents say those who convicted of killing police officers should get the death penalty.
Governor Jack Markell has not yet taken a position on the measure simply saying that he has an open mind.
Meanwhile, the Wilmington News Journal reports that Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden has repeatedly sought the death penalty in first-degree murder cases and is expected to oppose repeal.
