ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley says he would sign legislation repealing the state's death penalty if such a bill reaches his desk
Democratic lawmakers introduced a new proposal Thursday that would replace capital punishment with life without the possibility of parole for the most violent criminals.
"I would like to see us repeal the death penalty," O'Malley told the Baltimore Sun at his State House office. "I think the dollars could go to better use and could be invested in things that actually save lives."
Sponsored by Sen. Lisa Gladden and Del. Samuel Rosenberg, both Baltimore Democrats, the bills follow a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling in December that halted executions until an appropriate oversight for lethal injections is drawn.
Five convicted murderers have been executed in Maryland since 1978.
