The state of Montana could make history in the next few months and it all revolves around a horrific crime that took place in West Yellowstone back in February of 2020.

Of course, we're talking about the case against Patricia Batts. Batts is accused, along with several other family members of killing her 12-year-old grandson. If Batts is convicted and the death penalty is carried out, she would become the first woman in the history of Montana to receive that punishment.

The case is not only getting attention around Montana but also around the region and the country as folks are curious to see what will happen. The combination of the potential of a woman on death row, plus a grandmother accused of killing her grandson results in the type of emotion and outrage that news organizations and social media sites thrive on.

The death penalty was reinstated back in 1976 and since then, 3 people have been put to death by the state.  The last individual put to death by Montana took place back in 2006. In fact, according to deathpenaltyinfo.org, Montana hasn't sentenced anyone to death this century.

Prison
Marina Nezhinkay
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So, how do you feel about the death penalty?

For some folks, this can be a difficult question.  In fact, I lump myself into that group. I'm a firm believer that no one has the right to take another life, however, when you come across a case that is so gruesome, cruel, and violent it certainly can make even those of us against the death penalty reconsider our position.

Others have no problem with the death penalty, in fact, there are a large number of folks that believe that we don't use it enough and that if we did, it would be a good deterrent in keeping criminals from committing certain crimes.

A black man with hands outside the bars of a prison cell
oneword
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So as a Montanan are you for or against the death penalty? Do you think it should be based on the case? Make sure and vote in our poll below:

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