Most Native American tribes opt out of federal death penalty

News

Most Native American tribes opt out of federal death penalty

Murder of 11-year-old reignites debate
Candles burn at a makeshift memorial for Ashlynne Mike on the Navajo Nation southwest of Farmington on May 3, 2016. The man who admitted to killing the Navajo girl faces life in prison without parole. Mike’s mother has been urging the tribe to opt in to the death penalty, particularly for crimes that involve children.
Pamela Foster, the mother of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike, watches as pallbearers escort her daughter’s casket following a public memorial service in Farmington on May 6, 2016.
Gary Mike, front, father of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike, speaks outside of federal court in Albuquerque on Aug. 1.

Most Native American tribes opt out of federal death penalty

Candles burn at a makeshift memorial for Ashlynne Mike on the Navajo Nation southwest of Farmington on May 3, 2016. The man who admitted to killing the Navajo girl faces life in prison without parole. Mike’s mother has been urging the tribe to opt in to the death penalty, particularly for crimes that involve children.
Pamela Foster, the mother of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike, watches as pallbearers escort her daughter’s casket following a public memorial service in Farmington on May 6, 2016.
Gary Mike, front, father of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike, speaks outside of federal court in Albuquerque on Aug. 1.