Post Furman Convictions

After the Supreme Court decision in Furman in the early 70's, executions in the United States were temporary halted due too serious questions about inequity in the application of the death penalty to minorities and the poor.

Since 1973, Montana has imposed a sentence of death 13 times*. The results of those death sentences follow:

1973 – 2006

Total sentenced to death: ...................................................13

Executed……………………………..………..………………3

• David Thomas Dawson (8/11/06)
• Terry Langford (02/24/98)
• Duncan McKenzie (05/10/1995)

Died (Suicide)...……………………………..…………………2

• Rodney Sattler (02/02/2004)
• Douglas Turner (07/08/2003)

Died (Non Suicide).…………………………..………………..0

Resentenced by Courts......……………………………....….5

• Daniel Martin Johnson [LWOP (plea agreement)]
• Bernard Fitzpatrick [300 years WOP]
• Dewey Coleman [commuted to extended sentence]
• Lester Kills on Top [2 consecutive life terms + 40 years WOP]
• Vernon Kills on Top [2 consecutive life terms + 40 years WOP]

Sentence Commuted by Governor……….....……….………1

• David Keith**

** Reasons reportedly included Keith's partial paralysis and blindness, remorse, religious conversion, and the possibility that he may have shot the victim as a reflex action. Note: Montana is a state in which the governor must have the recommendation of clemency from a board or advisory group.

Other Removals………..……………………………………...…0

Under Current Sentence of Death ..……………………..……2

• William Jay Gollehon

• Ronald Allen Smith
______
13*

*The US DOJ lists 15 capital convictions between 1973 – 2005