Death Penalty Protesters Hope For A Change

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
October 30, 2012 9:58 PM


It was deja vu for those attending the vigil outside the state penitentiary, some using the same signs and candles as they did two weeks ago when they were opposing the execution of Eric Robert.

While the person being put to death is different, the message they share hasn't changed.  

“The issue of sanctity of life. The fact that all life is sacred, even those that are the worst of the worst,” said Travis Schulze the coordinator of South Dakotans For Alternatives To The Death Penalty.

The fact that ralliers were back outside the penitentiary again comes as a surprise for some.

“It's definitely somewhat of a shock after having one execution over 60 years and to actually have to come back here time after time,” said Schulze.

While most know lighting candles will do little to change the minds of legislators in Pierre, one man hopes one day a piece of legislation will change the way South Dakota deals with it's criminals.   

“We probably won't be entering a bill this year because we think that it would be soundly defeated,” said Schulze.