At least nine states have bills seeking to abolish or repeal the death penalty . Elsewhere , state budget cuts are delaying or halting death penalty trials . Colorado also seeks to use capital defense lawyers for cold case investigations . Harris County , Texas , Sheriff Pat Lykos vows to continue the death penalty .
At least nine states have bills seeking to abolish or repeal the death penalty . Elsewhere , state budget cuts are delaying or halting death penalty trials . Colorado bill seeks to use capital case funds for cold case investigations . Harris County , Texas , DA Pat Lykos vows to continue seeking death penalty .