ATLANTA - The State Board of Pardons and Paroles in a decision today has denied clemency for Robert Earl Butts, Jr. The Board lifted a stay issued on May 2, 2018, and voted to deny clemency in the case.

Butts was convicted and sentenced to death in Baldwin County for the 1996 murder of Donovan Corey Parks.

Following the decision to issue a stay yesterday, the Board thoroughly reviewed the case again, including additional information received during the clemency meeting.

“Knowing the gravity of its decisions, the Board extended deliberations in order to consider supplemental information submitted during the meeting that members had not previously reviewed,” said Board spokesman Steve Hayes. “Completing that process, the Board voted to deny clemency.”

In Georgia, the Parole Board has the sole constitutional authority to determine if clemency is warranted in a death penalty case. 

The Board maintains a comprehensive file on each death row inmate. The file contains the history of the life of the condemned inmate, including the inmate’s criminal history and the circumstances of the crime that was committed resulting in the death sentence. The Board Members thoroughly review this information prior to the scheduled clemency meeting.

To view a photo of Robert Earl Butts, Jr., go to www.gdc.georgia.gov, click on Find an Offender, agree to the terms on the disclaimer page and search by the offender’s EF number, 405158.

For more information please contact Steve Hayes, Communications Director, at 404-657-9450 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.pap.georgia.gov.

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