NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

Committed to ending the death penalty and creating a new vision of justice

Our community in action: Moving forward with hope on the 16th anniversary of NC’s last execution

Henry McCollum, who was exonerated in 2014 after more than 30 years on death row
Nick Courmon performing his spoken word piece “Death Row”
Andre Smith and Alfred Rivera
Andre Smith speaking about finding forgiveness for the man who killed his son Daniel
Timothy O’Neill speaking about his mother arrest for protesting Samuel Flippen’s 2006 execution
Vigil of Remembrance & Recommitment at Central Prison, August 15, 2022

Sixteen years ago today, North Carolina used its execution chamber for the last time. On August 18, 2006, Samuel Flippen was the last of 43 people executed under our modern laws. Shortly after his death, litigation put executions on hold indefinitely.

All these years later, the death penalty remains on the books in North Carolina; 136 people are still on death row and capital trials continue. Our work to ensure that executions never resume is more urgent than ever.

That’s why we’re spending this week strengthening our movement to end the death penalty. Only when our voices are strong and united can we send a clear message: Never again! No more executions in our names.

Our vigil outside Central Prison on Monday evening was a powerful example of how we intend to move forward: We will remember and honor the lives lost to this barbaric system. We will center the voices of those most impacted by the death penalty: exonerees and formerly incarcerated people, and those who have lost loved ones to execution and to murder. And we will come together with joy and hope to create a new vision of justice.

Please enjoy our gallery of photos from the vigil above. And it’s not too late if you’d like to join us Friday evening, August 19, for a picnic at Pullen Park. All are welcome. Details here.