Matt Chandler says it's a good tool for prosecutor
CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO -- The New Mexico Legislature has passed a bill that would repeal the death penalty and replace it with life in prison without appeal.
Matt Chandler, 9th Judicial District Attorney, told Pronews 7 that he doesn't want Governor Richardson to sign the bill. Chandler said that "it's an excellent tool for prosecutors to use for the most heinous crimes in New Mexico, although it's been attempted to have been exercised in New Mexico many times, there are only two people on death row, which in and of itself tells one how difficult it is to put someone to death in New Mexico." He also added that although capital punishment is very expensive, to him, the most important factors in seeking the death penalty are the wishes of the victims and their families.
Governor Richardson has until Wednesday at midnight to take action on the bill. He has received over 6,000 messages advising him to repeal or not repeal the death penalty.
