By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – There's an effort to make Missouri the next state to halt executions. A group of clergy, activists, and social workers has sent a letter to Missouri Gov. Bob Holden, asking him to issue a moratorium.
The coalition also wants Holden to set up a commission to study the state's death penalty system. That's something former Illinois Gov. George Ryan did when he issued his moratorium in 2000.
Missouri has executed 59 men since the state brought back capital punishment in 1989.
After Ryan's recent blanket commutation of Illinois' death row, Holden said he sees no evidence that Missouri's system needs change.