To the editor:

Since 1973, 805 people have been executed in the United States, and more than 100 people in 25 states have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence. An innocence rate of at least 13 percent suggests that at least some innocent people have been executed in the United States. This is the primary reason Illinois and Maryland have imposed a moratorium on executions. On Illinois’ death row alone, 12 people have been executed, and 13 have been exonerated.

Across America, 77 local governments have adopted resolutions that call on state and federal officials to impose death penalty moratoria, including Cincinnati, Tucson, Nashville, and nearby Lincoln, Neb. A campaign is under way in Lawrence to have the city commission pass a similar death penalty moratorium resolution. I encourage everyone to voice an opinion on this important issue.

Chris Crandall,

Lawrence