The Indiana Parole Board recommended Tuesday that Gov. Frank O’Bannon allow the execution of condemned murderer Gary Burris as scheduled Nov. 20.
Four of five board members said the governor should deny clemency for Burris, 40, who was sentenced to death for the 1980 shooting of Indianapolis cab driver Kenneth Chambers.
The 31-year-old father of two was robbed of $40, forced to strip and was shot execution style. Two accomplices were sent to prison.
In making its recommendation, the board cited the nature of the offense, the best interests of society and Burris’ criminal history. He had been convicted of armed robbery twice.
“Mr. Burris and his accomplices forced the victim to strip naked. His wrists were then bound, and he was shoved out of the cab onto the street in sub-zero weather,” said board Chairman Raymond Justak. “While he was prone on the street he begged for mercy, but was summarily shot in the head.”
