The death penalty has been a key focus in trial of accused Aurora theater shooter James Holmes. In order to serve on the Holmes jury, jurors were "death penalty qualified," meaning they could not serve if they were opposed the death penalty.
A 2013 Quinnipiac University Poll found 69 percent of Coloradans supported the death penalty, though many have mixed feelings about capital punishment, including Gov. John Hickenlooper. In his first term, Hickenlooper expressed support for capital punishment for certain crimes, but two years ago he granted a temporary reprieve to convicted killer Nathan Dunlap who sits on death row.
Hickenlooper has previously talked with Colorado Matters' host Ryan Warner about the issue: "I've certainly wrestled with this -- probably as much as any other issue because I think the moral compass... it shifts, even in one person like myself," Hickenlooper said in 2013.
We brought together Coloradans who've also wavered in their views on the death penalty. Kate Solisti lives in Lyons has come to support it. Anne Landman of Grand Junction opposes it, but hasn't always. And Tom McHenry of Denver has very mixed emotions about the issue. They spoke with Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner.
