Alabama’s top officials call for death penalty for child rapists: ‘There’s a special place in hell’

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July 31, 2025

Alabama’s top officials are aligning behind a renewed effort to impose the death penalty for those who rape children under the age of 12, following the horrific discovery of a child sex trafficking ring in Bibb County.

What began as a legislative push last year by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) has ignited unified support from the highest levels of state government.

That now includes Governor Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Speaker of the Alabama House Nathaniel Ledbetter.

At a press conference earlier today, Simpson was blunt about the stakes.

“It is unfortunate that we are here to discuss the rape of children and the penalties for the rape of children,” he said.

“Because we live in that world, we must have punishments for people that commit this offense. In my opinion, this is the worst of the worst of offenses… Because it is one of the worst offenses – it deserves the worst of the worst punishments.”

The bill, which passed the House with support across party lines earlier this year before stalling in the Senate, would authorize capital punishment for anyone convicted of first-degree rape or sodomy involving a child under 12.

Simpson said Alabama must join the growing list of states taking action, including Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Arkansas and has pre-filed legislation for the 2026 legislative session to accomplish that.

“Alabama needs to be on this list,” he added.

“We have to do everything in our power to protect Alabama’s children,” said Governor Kay Ivey in a statement issued shortly after Thursday’s press conference. “I look forward to fully supporting the bill by Rep. Matt Simpson and Sen. April Weaver to allow the death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child.”

We have to do everything in our power to protect Alabama’s children.

I look forward to fully supporting the bill by Rep. Matt Simpson & Sen. April Weaver to allow the death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child. #alpolitics https://t.co/5yW7vSA54q

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) July 31, 2025

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter echoed his members’ call for the measure.

“We passed this bill in the House last session and are prepared to do so again,” Ledbetter said. “Those who harm children have no place in our society.”

Attorney General Steve Marshall, the state’s top prosecutor and law enforcement official, called the events in Bibb County beyond words.

“This, horrific, I don’t think does justice as a word for what we have at least initially learned taking place in Bibb County,” Marshall said. “…this investigation is a difficult lift. Not only because of the complicated nature of these cases, but I hope that you can also realize the impact that these cases have on law enforcement and prosecutors.”

“These are tough. But these men and women have dedicated their lives to providing accountability for those who have been harmed.”

Marshall pledged full support and vowed to defend the law against any legal challenges.

He pointed to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2008 ruling in Kennedy v. Louisiana, which held that the death penalty constitutes cruel and unusual punishment for crimes where the victim does not die, including child rape.

“Let’s be clear that if in fact, this is passed, there will be work done legally to be able to allow this to be enforceable,” Marshall said.

“I can tell you that if it occurs during my tenure as Attorney General, we’ll make sure that we are defending this law, as we’ve done many others that the legislature has passed, to be able to send a clear message about not only the intent of the legislature in protecting kids, but the public policy in our state is how we hold those who hurt our children accountable if, in fact, another state comes before us.”

“But there’s a time to re-evaluate the analysis that Supreme Court used, as well as the importance states have placed upon this issue moving forward.” he said, referencing Alabama not being alone in doing so.

State Sen. April Weaver, who represents Bibb County in the Alabama Senate, said the horrific case has struck deeply within her community.

“I believe that there’s a special place in hell for child sex predators. When we pass this bill and when it is approved by the courts, there is also going to be a special place in Alabama for child sex predators: and that is on death row in Holman Prison,” Weaver said.

“I defy anyone, anywhere with any conscience or any sense of morals to look at this case and others like it and argue that the death penalty is not appropriate, stealing the innocence of a child, destroying their future before they have a chance to live it, and subjecting them to the kind of pain and torture that few among us can even comprehend,” she added.

“It should put you in the express line to the death chamber and get you fitted for a nitrogen hypoxia gas mask before the judge is finished banging their gavel.”

Weaver also urged swift legislative action in her chamber from Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).

“I’ve asked Pro Tem Gudger to prioritize this bill when the Senate returns. If it spares even one child from suffering, or sends one predator to an early grave, it will have done its job.”

Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade, whose department uncovered what’s being described as one of the most disturbing abuse cases in state history, stood shoulder to shoulder with lawmakers and state officials on Thursday.

“This is one of the most horrific cases of child sexual abuse that any of us can remember in our combined careers,” Wade said. “The death penalty for pedophiles — I support it, and I appreciate our lawmakers for everything they’re doing.”

Grayson Everett is the editor and chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270