A Waterloo man convicted of murder in Illinois faces and uncertain future after that state’s legislature voted to do away with the death penalty. David Damm was sentenced to die after he was convicted of murder and kidnapping for paying another man to kill 13-year-old Donnisha Hill in an attempt to head off sex abuse allegations in 2006.
On Tuesday, the Illinois State Senate voted 32-25 to abolish that state’s death penalty. The measure, which would go into effect in July, is now awaiting the signature of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn has said he supports the death penalty, but some think he will sign the bill.
If capital punishment is repealed in Illinois, it’s not clear what would happen to Damm. The bill does not address those currently on death row. For what it’s worth, during Damm’s trial, Hill’s parents said that they were opposed to the death penalty.
Governor Quinn has 60 days to sign or veto the bill repealing the death penalty in Illinois.
By Jesse Gavin, KCNZ, Cedar Falls