I am troubled by both of your Sound Offs regarding the death penalty.  I would like to see the data that shows that a death penalty reduces violent crime as the writer of “Legalize Death Penalty” (April 25 – May 1) suggests.  I do not believe this is grounded in any facts.  As for the writer of “Against Death Penalty” (May 2-8), I find your comments the more disturbing.  It sounds like you oppose it because a criminal can be victimized and tortured in prison.  Perhaps I am reading this into what both writers say.  If so, please write again and set me straight.  I am personally opposed to the death penalty.