Ruling overturned that saved 4 condemned killers from death row
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The N.C. Supreme Court has vacated a judge's orders to remove four convicted murderers from death row and change their sentences to life in prison without parole over allegations of racial bias.
Marcus Robinson, Tilmon Golphin, Quintel Augustine, and Christina Walters were all originally sentenced to death, but a Cumberland County judge gave them reduced sentences because he said race played unjust roles in jury selections.
The four defendants used the Racial Justice Act to get their death sentences commuted.
On Friday, the NC Supreme Court vacated the judge's decision, meaning the prisoners will have to present their cases again.
The Racial Justice Act was repealed in 2013. Critics of the law said it was flawed and only extended death penalty appeals further.
North Carolina hasn't executed anyone since 2006.
