Maryland Death Penalty
Maryland lawmakers approved a measure abolishing the death penalty on Friday. Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has long pushed for an end to capital punishment in the state, is expected to sign the bill, making Maryland the 18th state in the nation to do away with the death penalty. Ref. USAToday
Gov. O'Malley to commute sentences of Maryland's remaining death-row inmates:
Maryland's repeal of capital punishment did not apply to prisoners already on death row. There were five such prisoners when the legislation took effect; one has since died of natural causes. Ref. Source 8