Rindge, New Hampshire — Nearly 16 years after losing her daughter to a brutal crime, Margaret Hawthorn is advocating against the death penalty, finding peace in the belief that redemption is possible for her daughter’s killer, rather than wishing for his execution. Hawthorn’s daughter, Molly MacDougall, was murdered at the age of 31 after rejecting the advances of a man who is now serving a sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
Hawthorn, recalling her daughter’s vibrant life filled with dance and humor, reflects on the emotional turmoil associated with the death of someone. “The idea of another death is just jarring,” she said, emphasizing her concerns about the execution of her daughter’s killer. Her personal tragedy and her Quaker values led her to fight against capital punishment, actively engaging with lawmakers since 2015 to promote the abolition of the death penalty in New Hampshire.
In 2019, Hawthorn witnessed a significant victory as the state legislature voted to abolish capital punishment. “Party time,” she laughed, recalling the moment as filled with “tears of joy.” However, her commitment to the cause reignited when a group of Republican legislators introduced bills to reinstate the death penalty, which were ultimately rejected after strong public opposition and testimony.
Despite the repeal, New Hampshire has not executed anyone since 1939, with only Michael Addison currently on death row for the 2006 murder of a police officer. Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who prosecuted Addison’s case, supports the reinstatement of the death penalty, although she refrained from commenting on this year’s proposed legislation.
Supporters of the death penalty argue that it provides closure for victims’ families and saves tax dollars that would otherwise fund life imprisonment. However, studies often show that executing inmates may be more costly than keeping them in prison for life. Some lawmakers are torn between the desire for justice and the possibility of rehabilitation, revealing the complexity surrounding capital punishment.
During a recent hearing, Hawthorn articulated her wish for her daughter’s killer to have opportunities for redemption instead of facing execution. “An execution would eliminate any possibility of that turnaround. I don’t need him to die to allow me to live,” she stated, expressing a desire for healing over retribution.
Her sentiments resonate with many who testified against the reinstatement of the death penalty, leading Rep. Terry Roy, the chair of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, to note that a significant majority of constituents oppose capital punishment. His committee subsequently recommended that the legislature reject the bills to restore the death penalty.
Amid differing opinions, some lawmakers continue to advocate for stricter penalties for heinous crimes, believing that certain offenses warrant the ultimate punishment. For instance, Rep. Joe Sweeney of Salem initially proposed a bill for death sentences for sexual assault against minors, though the bill was revised to remove capital punishment.
Shifting perspectives on justice have emerged among some lawmakers who once supported the death penalty but later reconsidered. Rep. Mark Proulx, who experienced a personal loss due to violence, noted that public testimony influenced his change of heart regarding capital punishment. “What if we’re wrong?” he pondered, highlighting the irreversible nature of an execution and the potential for wrongful convictions.
As the debate surrounding the death penalty continues, Hawthorn remains steadfast, using her voice to advocate for compassion over condemnation, influencing a growing movement that emphasizes mercy and the chance for reform.