Death penalty opinion
The Parkland verdict and the death penalty
A New York Times opinion piece considers the death penalty in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting sentencing.
Open SourceNews
Buffalo death penalty updates, without the noise.
Follow the federal trial context, public actions, and abolition arguments that matter to Western New Yorkers right now.
Upcoming Community Event
Meet Reverend Sharon Risher
Join us for an evening of healing, faith, and witness with a survivor who found a renewed purpose alongside other families impacted by gun violence.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
7:30 p.m.
St. Joseph University Parish Church
3269 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Latest Death Penalty Coverage
Photo Courtesy Glenn E. Murray, Attorney, Buffalo
Buffalo courthouse update
Judge approves public overflow courtroom ahead of federal trial
A live video feed will give victims’ families and the public additional access as the federal death penalty case moves toward jury selection.
Open SourceBuffalo federal case
Official Gendron case page lists August jury selection
The Justice Department’s victim-notification page lists jury selection in the federal Payton Gendron case for August 17, 2026, with case updates and support contacts for victims and survivors.
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Local action
WNY Coalition launches campaign as jury selection begins
Local coverage quoted Paul McQuillen and Murray Holman on life without parole, community healing, and better uses for public resources.
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National analysis
Marshall Project finds the modern death penalty still broken after 50 years
A new analysis of more than 9,000 death sentences since Gregg v. Georgia shows the same problems remain: racial disparities, arbitrary outcomes, decades of delay, and innocence risk.
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National policy
Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act introduced as H.R. 8940
The House bill would end federal death sentences and require resentencing for people already on federal death row.
Open SourcePhoto Courtesy Glenn E. Murray, Attorney, Buffalo
Buffalo courthouse watch
Jury selection begins in Buffalo federal death penalty trial
As potential jurors reported to federal court, coalition members gathered in Niagara Square to ring the bell and publicly oppose execution.
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National policy
Ohio governor urges end to death penalty
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, saying it is not a deterrent to murder and can no longer be morally justified.
Open SourceCoalition Briefings
Short explainers carried over and cleaned up from the coalition’s existing site.