LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraskans whose relatives were murdered are calling on lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, saying it prolongs the suffering of victims' families and wastes tax dollars on endless appeals.
Relatives rallied at the Capitol on Wednesday came in advance of a legislative hearing on a bill to end capital punishment.
Miriam Thimm Kelle, whose brother James Thimm was murdered by Michael Ryan at a farm near Rulo in 1985, says the death penalty has distracted from the needs of victims' families.
The repeal bill was introduced by longtime Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, who has fought for nearly four decades to end capital punishment.
Of the 33 Nebraska inmates sentenced to death since 1973, three have been executed.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
LATEST STORIES
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Sheriff: phone call promises of free money is a scam
Moran works for Mayetta veteran's recognition
Atchison Commission to focus on manager vacancy Thursday
Falls city Council hears updates on grant programs
Work underway to draft new Missouri River management plan
Resurfacing project begins on K-9 in Marshall Co