Opponents push to abolish death penalty in Virginia

Source: Associated Press


Denise Lavoie, Ap Legal Affairs Writer
Updated 11:59 am CST, Tuesday, December 31, 2019

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia has executed nearly 1,400 people in its 412-year history — more than any other state. But as a new Democratic majority prepares to begin the legislative session, some see an opportunity to end executions in Virginia.

A bill to abolish the death penalty has been filed by Del. Lee Carter, a Democrat from Manassas, and several additional bills are expected.

The push is backed by Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, along with some powerful voices: loved ones of murder victims. Thirteen family members sent a letter to the General Assembly in November asking lawmakers to abolish the death penalty.

Rachel Sutphin, the daughter of Cpl. Eric Sutphin, who was fatally shot in 2006, said she felt no closure or solace when her father's killer was executed in 2017.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Opponents-push-to-abolish-death-penalty-in-14941492.php