A Message from Julius Darius Jones: Stand for Charles "Sonny" Burton

Sonny is a 75-year-old father, brother, and friend who is a light to everyone around him. He has spent more than 30 years on Alabama’s death row for a killing he did not commit. There was no proof he intended to take the life of Doug Battle, and he was not in the building when the shooting took place. Yet Alabama has scheduled Sonny’s execution for March 12.

When the life of Julius Darius Jones was on the line, millions of people across this country came together and raised their voices for justice. Today, Julius is asking that same spirit of compassion and action be extended to Charles “Sonny” Burton.

While Julius continues his own fight for freedom, he remains committed to standing up for others facing the same system he continues to endure.  Julius knows firsthand what it means to have your life in the hands of the system, he refuses to stay silent when another life is at risk.

Julius wants to share this message with you:

First, I would like to express my sincerest & deepest respects for the victim Doug Battle and his family/loved ones… I, Julius D. Jones, implore you to move on behalf of Life for Charles “Sonny” Burton! Whether through prayer, social media posts, phone calls, and most importantly (if possible) through action of physical presence for Charles “Sonny” Burton.

We as a Nation, as a Society that proclaims a Faith that’s Christ-like, must demand that Life be Saved… Not, Preserved for someone whom We KNOW did NOT take a Life.

We don’t deter the taking of Life with taking Life. We deter such… With Granting Life! The same we each pray to Our Creator for each night and morning.

Sincerely,

One Of GOD’s Suns,

Mr. Julius Darius Jones

Join Julius and tens of thousands of people across the country to call for clemency. Clemency exists for moments like this. It is an opportunity to correct a sentence shaped by error.  Please take a moment to urge Kay Ivey to grant clemency to Sonny.

Sign the petition and share Sonny’s story.

THIS WEEK'S URGENT ACTION

Call the Governor's Office: (334) 242-7100

Now through March 12, every call matters. 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.

Join Us in Prayer Today

People of faith across traditions are lifting up Charles “Sonny” Burton in prayer for mercy, justice, and the protection of life.

Faith leaders and advocates will gather today for a virtual prayer call to stand together in faith and solidarity.

Prayer Call for Sonny Burton
Today – Mar. 9 at 7pm CT / 8pm ET

Register to join the prayer call.

Stand with Julius. Stand for Sonny. Stand for mercy and justice.

With gratitude,

The Jones Family