Utah Death Row Inmate Seeks Clemency

Utah's Board of Pardons & Parole is conducting a commutation hearing to decide whether to spare Taberon Dave Honie, a death row inmate convicted of murdering his girlfriend’s mother in 1998, from his scheduled August 8 execution. Honie, who testified that he was heavily intoxicated and not in his 'right mind' during the murder, has requested his sentence be commuted to life in prison. His defense cites a traumatic childhood, long-term drug abuse, a brain injury, and poor legal advice as factors that should be considered for mercy. The state, however, argues that Honie has not taken full responsibility for his actions and deserves the death penalty. This would be Utah's first execution since 2010, and the state has opted to use pentobarbital instead of an untested drug combination that could cause 'excruciating pain.' A decision from the parole board is expected shortly after the hearing concludes.