Archive for June, 2008
Percy Walton’s death sentence commuted
Posted June 11th, 2008 by April | Amnesty News
In human rights activism and particularly in opposing the death penalty, it’s always heartening to receive a little good news. On Monday, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine commuted the death sentence of Percy Walton.
Walton was convicted of the 1996 murders of Elizabeth and Jessee Hendrick and Archie Moore, and was sentenced to death in 1997. However, he was shown to be severely mentally ill, to the extent that he did not understand what it meant to be executed. Walton reportedly told psychiatrists that after his execution he planned to go to Burger King and ride a motorcycle. A 1986 Supreme Court decision forbids the execution of inmates who cannot understand the punishment they are about to receive.
Governor Kaine is to be commended, both for staying Percy Walton’s execution to allow ample time for the review of his mental capacity, and for commuting the sentence after Walton was thoroughly evaluated.
Thanks to all those who wrote and acted on Percy Walton’s behalf.
- Find out more at the AIUSA death penalty blog
- Profile of Walton’s case by VA Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Update: Here is some additional information from AI.
Read Governor Kaine’s statement
Please take a moment to call or write to Governor Kaine to thank him for commuting the sentence. Or you can thank Governor Kaine via the online action.
Gov. Tim Kaine
Phone: (804) 786-2211
Fax: (804) 371-6351
Philly Cell Tour A Success
Posted June 11th, 2008 by April | Amnesty News
Here’s a note from the Mid-Atlantic staff. Thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy to help make the Cell Tour Philadelphia stop a success!
The Philadelphia stop on the national Guantanamo cell tour was a huge success. Despite a run-in with bad weather, over 700 people visited the cell during its stay in the city of brotherly love. Over forty local activists volunteered their time over the course of the event including a core group of five volunteer leaders who served on a volunteer planning committee for the event – Eric Merlino, April Zappaterrini, Emily Helms, Aditi Dubey, and Jenn Price.
Other highlights included a special event featuring Larry Cox, AIUSA’s Executive Director, and local musicians, The Late Night Drifters.
Check out photos and blog entries from the cell tour at celltour.amnesty.org and www.amnestyusa.org/celltour
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference 2008
Posted June 10th, 2008 by April | Mid-Atlantic Region
Save the date for the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference!, November 14-16, 2008 at the Quality Hotel Conference Center, 4328 William L Wilson Freeway, Harpers Ferry WV. See link for details as they are added.
Quality Hotel Phone: (304) 535-6302