DC - I read Helter Skelter recently (damn good read by the way) and can confirm you're correct on this. Their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

But I personally don't believe Ruby, if he'd not died earlier, would have been alive to see the law changed.

DC, you sound skeptical about the way Ruby died. I also have my doubts that an embolism caused his death. I've heard and read stories of visits by mystery doctors to Ruby's cell when he was in perfect health and his sudden deteriation afterwards. Am I sounding like a complete conspiracy geek here?