By Diane S. W. Lee   Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday signed legislation to abolish the death penalty in Illinois, and commuted the sentences of the 15 inmates now on death row to natural life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole or release.

Quinn mulled over his decision this past weekend and signed the new law in his statehouse office.

“This was the most difficult decision I’ve made as governor,” Quinn said later during a news conference. “It was made after many days and nights of reflection and review. For those who support this decision, I’ve received many communications. And for those who oppose this decision, I’ve received many communications.”

Morgan County Sheriff Randy Duvendack is one of those opponents.  Duvendack said the death penalty was used as a “tool” to fight crime, and it is needed for the “most shocking cases.”

“My opinion is there is still a place for it,” he said. “I also wonder about police officers, prison guards, who are guarding murderers. What is the incentive for them not to do it? If you are mad at a guard, what are you going to do? If you are mad at a guard, what are you going to get? Another life sentence?”

As a former prosecutor, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon said cases are tried to make sure defendants are guilty of crimes beyond a reasonable doubt. But in the past, several media investigations determined innocent people had been sent to death row on wrongful convictions. Simon, who in recent days urged Quinn to sign the proposal, called Wednesday a “historic day.”

“This is a particular courageous stand to take, but it is one, I think, (that) is required by justice in the state of Illinois,” Simon said.
Watch more of Gov Quinn’s comments:

Watch more or Shelia Simon’s comments.