SPRINGFIELD –  Illinois will become the sixteenth state to end the death penalty.

Governor Pat Quinn signed a law abolishing the death Wednesday.  Quinn says too many mistakes have been made in the past, when innocent people were freed from death row. However, some local law enforcement officials oppose Quinn's decision. 

Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds says the death penalty should be kept for serious crimes.

030911Edmonds2                                  :18        "…with wrongful convictions."

Randy Duvendack is Morgan County's Sheriff.

030911Duvendack2                                 :13       "…might be one."

There are currently fifteen people on death row. They will get life in prison without the possibility of parole and release instead.