Outgoing Senator Joe Manchin didn’t hold back on Thursday when he criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of two men convicted of the brutal murder of Samantha Burns. Manchin called the move “horribly misguided and insulting,” especially to Samantha’s grieving family.
Samantha Burns was a 19-year-old student at Marshall University who vanished in 2002. Her remains were never found, but Brandon Basham and Chadrick Fulks were convicted of her murder. Now, under Biden’s commutation, they will serve life sentences instead of facing the death penalty.
Manchin, in a heartfelt post on Facebook, expressed his deep sympathy for Samantha’s parents, Kandi and John Burns. He said, “After speaking with Samantha’s parents, I feel it’s my duty to speak up for them. Their voices were unheard when they pleaded with the President not to make this decision.” Manchin also reflected on how hard it must be for the Burns family to relive the tragedy during the holiday season.
Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of 37 inmates on death row, including convicted murderers and other criminals, is part of his broader effort to end federal executions. The only three inmates still facing the death penalty are infamous mass murderers: Dylann Roof, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Robert Bowers.
Manchin’s comments reflect the ongoing debate about the death penalty, with emotions running high on both sides.
