Ill. gov. to announce decision on death penalty

CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn says he will announce whether or not he plans to abolish Illinois’ death penalty.

Two lawmakers who sponsored the legislation to end capital punishment say he intends to sign it.

The Chicago Democrat has scheduled a media availability in Springfield at noon Wednesday. His office wouldn’t confirm what he plans to do.

But state Rep. Karen Yarbrough and state Sen. Kwame Raoul (KWAH’-may RAW’-ool) say Quinn intends to abolish the state’s death penalty.

Quinn previously has said he personally supports the death penalty when properly implemented and would make a decision on the bill based on his conscience.

Illinois would join 15 other states and the District of Columbia without the death penalty. The new law would take effect July 1.