SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After suspending executions in his state pending further study of the death penalty, Illinois Gov. George Ryan appointed a panel March 9 to examine why more death sentences have been overturned than carried out in his state.
Ryan, a Republican and death penalty supporter, halted executions in January after state records showed the state has executed 12 death row inmates since 1977, while 13 have been released.
Ryan named former federal judge Frank McGarr to head the panel. Former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and former U.S. Attorney Thomas Sullivan will co-chair the commission. A similar committee has been set up in Indiana, although Gov. Frank O’Bannon has not suspended executions.
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