He refused the pardons but did commute Norris ' death sentence to life in prison .
Governor Graves had planned to pardon the prisoners in 1938 , but was angered by their hostility and refusal to admit their guilt .
Governor refused the pardons but did commute Norris ' death sentence to life in prison .
Governor Graves had planned to pardon the prisoners in 1938 , but was angered by their hostility and refusal to admit their guilt .