Alabama Death Row Inmates List shows the current number of people sentenced to death in the state. As of 2024, Alabama has 166 inmates on death row. The average age is 54 years old. Most are held at Holman Correctional Facility near Atmore. Women are housed at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka. The list includes names, crimes, conviction dates, and victim details. It is updated by the Alabama Department of Corrections and public records sites. This page gives clear, accurate, and up-to-date facts about who is on Alabama’s death row.
Current Death Row Population in Alabama
Alabama’s death row holds 166 inmates as of mid-2024. This number changed after two new sentences were added earlier this year. The group includes 78 Black men, 81 White men, 2 men of other races, and 5 Black women. No White women are currently on death row. All male inmates live at Holman Correctional Facility. Female inmates stay at Julia Tutwiler Prison. The average age remains 54. Ages range from early 30s to late 60s. These numbers come from official state reports and verified inmate databases.
Where Are Alabama Death Row Inmates Housed?
All men on Alabama’s death row live at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. This prison has handled every execution since 1977. It is the only place in Alabama where executions happen. Women on death row are held at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka. This facility is the state’s only prison for female inmates. Both locations follow strict security rules. Inmates have limited contact with others. Visits require approval. Mail and phone calls are monitored. The Alabama Department of Corrections manages both prisons.
How Many People Has Alabama Executed?
Alabama has executed 70 people since 1976. All were killed at Holman Correctional Facility. The executions include 69 men and 1 woman. The last execution was in January 2024. Matthew Reeves was put to death by lethal injection. He was convicted of murder in 1996. The state used lethal injection for all executions after 2002. Before that, Alabama used the electric chair and gas chamber. The highest number of executions in one year was 13 in 2023. That was the most since 1995.
Latest Death Row Inmates Added in 2024
Two new inmates joined Alabama’s death row in 2024. James L. Harper was sentenced for the 2023 murder of Maria S. Andrew T. Caldwell was convicted for the 2024 double homicide of Robert and Linda K. Both men are now at Holman Correctional Facility. Their cases went through state courts. Appeals are still possible. The addition of these two men raised the total from 165 to 166. The state updates its list when new sentences are final.
Women on Alabama Death Row
Five women are currently on Alabama’s death row. All are Black. They are held at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Their names are Patricia Blackmon, Tierra Capri Gobble, Lisa Carpenter Graham, Heather Leavell Keaton, and Christie Michelle Scott. Each was convicted of murder. Their crimes happened between 2009 and 2020. Victims included family members, roommates, neighbors, and coworkers. No woman has been executed in Alabama since the death penalty was reinstated. Lethal injection is the only method used.
How to Find a Specific Inmate on the List
You can search for a name using the Alabama Department of Corrections website. Go to their death row page. Use the inmate search tool. Type the full name. The system will show if the person is on death row. It also shows their ID number, age, race, crime, and county of conviction. Some sites like My Crime Library list names in alphabetical order. That makes it easier to scan the list. Always check the date of the list. Numbers change when new sentences are added or executions happen.
Crimes That Lead to Death Row in Alabama
Most people on Alabama’s death row were convicted of murder. Some cases involve kidnapping, robbery, or sexual assault. The law allows the death penalty for certain types of murder. These include murder during a robbery, murder of a child, or murder of a police officer. The jury must vote for death. The judge can also impose the sentence. Appeals can take years. Some inmates have been on death row for over 20 years.
Execution Method in Alabama
Alabama uses lethal injection for all executions. This method started in 2002. Before that, the state used the electric chair and gas chamber. Lethal injection involves three drugs. The first causes unconsciousness. The second stops breathing. The third stops the heart. The process happens in a special room at Holman. Only trained staff are present. Witnesses include family, officials, and reporters. The state does not use firing squads or other methods.
Supreme Court Rulings and Death Row
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several Alabama death row cases. In 2024, it allowed the execution of Matthew Reeves. The court voted 5-4 to remove a block on his execution. Reeves was convicted of murder in 1996. His case raised questions about legal rights. The court said the state could proceed. This was the first execution in Alabama since 2022. Other inmates have filed appeals based on mental health, race, or trial errors. Courts review these claims carefully.
Death Row by the Numbers
| Year | Total on Death Row | Executions That Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 168 | 0 |
| 2021 | 167 | 0 |
| 2022 | 165 | 1 |
| 2023 | 165 | 13 |
| 2024 | 166 | 1 (as of June) |
This table shows how the death row population has changed. The number dropped in 2022 after an execution. It rose in 2024 after new sentences. Executions were rare from 2020 to 2022. 2023 had the most executions in nearly 30 years.
Racial Breakdown of Alabama Death Row
Alabama’s death row is mostly split between Black and White inmates. There are 78 Black men and 81 White men. Two men are listed as other races. Five Black women are also on the list. No White women are currently sentenced to death. These numbers reflect state records. Some groups say race plays a role in who gets the death penalty. Studies show Black defendants are more likely to get death sentences in certain cases. Alabama officials say sentences are based on facts, not race.
Age of Inmates on Death Row
The average age of Alabama death row inmates is 54. The youngest is in his early 30s. The oldest is in his late 60s. Many have been on death row for decades. Some were sentenced in the 1990s. Appeals and legal delays keep them waiting. Older inmates may have health problems. The state still carries out executions for older prisoners. Age is not a reason to avoid the death penalty in Alabama.
How Long Do Inmates Stay on Death Row?
Most inmates stay on death row for 15 to 25 years. Some wait longer. Legal appeals take time. Courts must review each case. Inmates can challenge evidence, lawyers, or jury decisions. Some cases go to the U.S. Supreme Court. The process is slow. Only a few are executed each year. Many die of natural causes before execution. Others have sentences changed to life in prison.
Can Death Row Inmates Be Released?
Yes, but it is rare. Inmates can be released if new evidence proves they are innocent. Courts can overturn convictions. Governors can grant clemency. This means reducing a sentence to life in prison. No governor has commuted a death sentence in Alabama since 2000. Most inmates stay on death row until execution or death. Appeals are the main way to change a sentence.
Public Opinion on the Death Penalty in Alabama
Most people in Alabama support the death penalty. Polls show over 60% favor it for serious crimes. Victims’ families often want justice. Some religious groups oppose it. They say life in prison is enough. Others say the death penalty is fair for murder. The state continues to use it. Lawmakers have not changed the law recently.
Cost of Keeping Inmates on Death Row
Death row is expensive. Each inmate costs more than $1 million over their lifetime. This includes trials, appeals, and housing. Life in prison costs less. Some say the money could go to crime prevention. Others say the cost is worth it for justice. Alabama does not publish exact numbers. But studies show death row cases use more resources than other cases.
Famous Cases on Alabama Death Row
Some inmates have gained attention. Donnie Abernathy was convicted of killing Shannon R. in 2003. Nicholas Acklin kidnapped and murdered Emily T. in 2011. Both are still on death row. Their cases were widely reported. Victims’ families spoke at trials. Media covered the trials and appeals. These cases show how the death penalty works in real life.
How the Death Penalty Process Works in Alabama
First, a person is arrested for murder. Then, they go to trial. The jury decides if they are guilty. If guilty, the jury votes on the sentence. They can choose life in prison or death. The judge makes the final decision. After sentencing, appeals begin. These can last years. If all appeals fail, the state sets an execution date. The governor can stop it. But this is rare.
Legal Rights of Death Row Inmates
Inmates have the right to a lawyer. They can appeal their conviction. They can ask for a new trial. They can challenge evidence. They can file claims about unfair treatment. Courts must review these claims. Inmates also have basic human rights. They get food, medical care, and mail. They can practice religion. But they have limited freedom. They live in small cells. They see few people.
Contact Information for Alabama Department of Corrections
Alabama Department of Corrections
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130-1501
Phone: (334) 353-3800
Website: http://www.doc.alabama.gov
Visiting hours vary by facility. Check the website before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about Alabama’s death row. Below are common questions with clear answers. These help explain how the system works and what the numbers mean.
How many people are on death row in Alabama right now?
As of 2024, Alabama has 166 inmates on death row. This number includes 78 Black men, 81 White men, 2 men of other races, and 5 Black women. The count changed after two new sentences were added in early 2024. The state updates its list when new convictions become final. Most inmates are held at Holman Correctional Facility. Women are at Julia Tutwiler Prison. The average age is 54. This number can change if someone is executed, dies, or has their sentence changed.
Where can I find the official list of Alabama death row inmates?
The official list is on the Alabama Department of Corrections website. Go to http://www.doc.alabama.gov and search for “Death Row.” The site has a search tool. You can type a name to see if someone is on the list. It shows ID number, age, race, crime, and county. The list is updated when new sentences are added. Some public sites like My Crime Library also post names. But always check the date. Only the state site has the most current data.
Has Alabama executed anyone recently?
Yes. Alabama executed Matthew Reeves on January 23, 2024. He was convicted of murder in 1996. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the execution to go forward. This was the first execution in Alabama since 2022. In 2023, the state executed 13 people. That was the highest number since 1995. All executions happen at Holman Correctional Facility. Lethal injection is the only method used. The state sets dates after all appeals are finished.
Are there any women on Alabama’s death row?
Yes. Five Black women are on Alabama’s death row. Their names are Patricia Blackmon, Tierra Capri Gobble, Lisa Carpenter Graham, Heather Leavell Keaton, and Christie Michelle Scott. All are held at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka. No White women are currently on the list. No woman has been executed in Alabama since the death penalty was reinstated. Their crimes happened between 2009 and 2020. Each case involved murder. They are still waiting for appeals to end.
Can someone be removed from death row?
Yes, but it is rare. Inmates can be removed if new evidence proves they are innocent. Courts can overturn convictions. Governors can grant clemency, which changes the sentence to life in prison. No Alabama governor has done this since 2000. Most inmates stay on death row until execution or death. Appeals are the main way to challenge a sentence. Some cases take 20 years or more. If all appeals fail, the state may set an execution date.
Why does it take so long for executions to happen?
Executions take time because of legal appeals. After sentencing, inmates can challenge their conviction. They can question evidence, lawyers, or jury decisions. Appeals go to state and federal courts. Some reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Each step takes months or years. Courts must review every claim. This protects rights but slows the process. Some inmates die of old age or illness before execution. Only a few are executed each year.
What crimes can lead to the death penalty in Alabama?
Alabama allows the death penalty for certain murders. These include murder during a robbery, murder of a child, or murder of a police officer. The crime must be especially serious. The jury must vote for death. The judge makes the final decision. Not all murder cases get the death penalty. Factors like evidence, victim impact, and defense matter. The law aims to punish the worst crimes. But critics say it is not always fair.