John Lee Cowell doesn’t deny killing Nia Wilson, 18, and injuring her sister Letifah, but neither does he take responsibility for his actions, claiming he is not guilty by reason of insanity. His defense attorney previously entered the plea on his behalf, but Cowell, 29, showed up to a hearing

On November 8th 2016,Californians had a chance to vote on repealing the Death Penalty in California (Prop 62). Unfortunately the proposition lost. 53% of Californians voted to keep state sponsored executions.
Putting aside moral arguments for the elimination of the DP, the financial cost to the public for long protracted appeals and special housing of those on death row amounts to over $200 million per year.