Gov. Bill Richardson has signed a bill to abolish the death penalty in New Mexico.

Richardson, who was previously a supporter of capital punishment, said repealing the death penalty marked the end of a "long, personal journey" for him personally.

"The sad truth is the wrong person can still be convicted in this day and age, and in cases where that conviction carries with it the ultimate sanction, we must have ultimate confidence - I would say certitude - that the system is without flaw or prejudice," Richardson said. 

After the announcement, news spread quickly through the Roundhouse and was featured prominently on national media Web sites.

The repeal will only pertain to crimes committed on or after July 1, 2009. That means the two New Mexicans currently on death row, as well as others whose cases are pending, could still be executed.

Read tomorrow's Journal for a more in-depth story.