“One with which I fight;” Governor Cox puts a strain on the death penalty while the state is preparing for the execution

Salt Lake City – Governor Spencer Cox shared his thoughts on the death penalty before the planned execution of Ralph Menzies by the state.

This happened after the legal team of Menzies asked for his life to be saved. On Wednesday, they submitted a grace in which the Board of Pardons and slogans in Utah was asked to transform his death sentence to life without the possibility of release.

He has been in the death cell for decades for murder of a woman. He was convicted in 1988 for murder Maurine Hunsaker, Maurine Hunsaker.

The Menzies team argues that it should not be executed because its dementia deteriorates, decreases his health and refer to what they call in the procedures of his case.

“I am very careful with the power of the state, especially the power of the state to kill people, the ultimate punishment,” said Cox when he was asked whether he believes that the death penalty should be canceled.

He said he thinks governments make mistakes.

“I think the worst mistake we could ever make is to kill someone who might have been innocent,” said Cox.

He said it was clear that both Menzies and Taberon Honie, who were executed last August, were guilty.

“When they talk to them who have suffered and the hideous nature of these crimes, I think there are probably circumstances under which it is still justified,” said Cox.

In Utah, the governor does not have the authority to forgive or commute sentences.

“There is a reason why most states have this power,” said Cox. “There is a reason why the President of the United States, although I believe that he has recently been misused by every president. I think it is a mistake to enable unrestricted discretion, and it can lead to abuse and favors.”

The governor said, although he is relieved that he does not have the authority to forgive or commute punishments, he believes that there are circumstances in which it would have been nice to do so.

Menzies and his team have a competence hearing for July 23. His execution is planned for September 5.

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