Execution Alerts
Teresa Lewis is scheduled to be executed September 23, 2010
Below is a press release from her attorneys:
Virginia Set to Execute Woman with 72 IQ As “Mastermind” of Husband’s Murder
 
Lives of Two Actual Killers Spared

Media Contact:
Alex Howe, newsPRos 202 271 7997, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or
Jamie Moss, 201 788 0142, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Commonwealth of Virginia this morning ordered Teresa Lewis’s execution to take place on September 23, at 9:00 p.m. at Greensville Correctional Center. Lewis has been on death row in Virginia since June 2003.  Now 41 and a mother and grandmother, she is described by her former prison chaplain as “loving, faithful, and child-like.” She would be the first woman executed in Virginia since 1912. 
 
In June 2003, incomplete and inaccurate evidence led a judge to impose the death sentence on Teresa Lewis, who has an IQ of 72, as the “mastermind” behind a plan to kill Lewis’s husband, Julian Lewis, and his adult son C.J.  The two men who actually committed the murders were sentenced to life in prison.
 
 “We firmly believe that Teresa should not be put to death based on inaccurate and incomplete information that she was the ‘mastermind’ in the deaths,” said Jim Rocap, partner at Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, DC, who has been representing Teresa for the past 6 years. 
“Tragically, the judge who sentenced Teresa never had an accurate picture of how the crimes came to be,” Rocap added.  “Due largely to procedural technicalities, none of the courts that have looked at Teresa’s case have been allowed to consider evidence that dramatically reduces Teresa’s culpability. The Governor will be the only person who has had an opportunity to consider evidence, for example, that the actual killer admitted that Teresa was not in fact the person who planned the murders and that he boasted about using Teresa to get Julian’s money.  Anyone who looks at all the evidence will see that Teresa’s death sentence is based on an incomplete and inaccurate account of the crimes.”
 
Teresa was 33 years old when she met Matthew Shallenberger, a 21 year-old with an IQ of 113.  He had just completed a brief stint in the U.S. Army.  According to a report by a psychologist who evaluated Shallenberger just after the murders, Shallenberger was “tall and lean” with a “carefully messed-to-look-stylish quaff of hair.”  The psychologist said Shallenberger was “unusually bright” and “difficult to interview.”  Shallenberger “thoroughly enjoyed a verbal cat-and-mouse game . . . finding ways to answer questions by not answering them and then smiling.”  The psychologist reported that Shallenberger “boasted of  dreams of becoming a “hitman” for the Mafia.  Shallenberger initially denied involvement in the murders but later “insisted it was he who was in control of [the] relationship [with Teresa] and he who was the mastermind of the offense.”
 
Shallenberger explained to a friend that Teresa was “just what I was looking for: some ugly bitch who married her husband for the money and I knew I could get to fall head over heals [sic] for me.”  Although married to Julian, Teresa soon began to visit Shallenberger at his trailer.  She showered him with gifts and money, and even sent a dozen red roses to him, attempting to gain his affection.  When Teresa complained about abusive treatment from her husband, Shallenberger made a plan to kill Julian, telling Teresa that he would use Julian’s money to run away with Teresa and start a new life.  In reality, Shallenberger was involved with two other women at the time and considered his involvement with Teresa “just part of what had to be done to get the money.”  He boasted to friends that he planned to head to New York, meet with his “connections,” and become a “hit man” for the Mafia. 
 
People who have known Teresa throughout her life have testified that she has never lived on her own, is incapable of buying more than one day’s worth of groceries at a time, and cannot balance a checkbook.  Following surgeries for painful medical conditions, in the year before the murders Teresa became addicted to prescription medications. 
 
Dr. Elinore McKance-Katz, a specialist in prescription drug addiction, testified in 2005 (after the death sentence had been imposed) that Teresa suffered from “severe addiction” including opioid dependence, sedative hypnotic dependence, and anxiolytic dependence.  This impaired Teresa’s judgment, she explained, and negatively affected the functioning of her cortex and frontal lobes, the areas of the brain responsible for thinking, reasoning, judgment, and executive function.  Teresa also was diagnosed with dependent personality disorder, which manifested itself in her need for attention, approval and validation from men.  Dr. Philip Costanzo, a Duke University psychologist who also examined Teresa after sentence was imposed, concluded that “Teresa’s intellectual limitations are magnified by her tendency toward a socially naïve, passively compliant and inadequate style of relating.  Her need for affirmation and validation from men reduces further any ability . . . that she might have to independently reason.”  Both Dr. McCance-Katz and Dr. Costanzo said it was highly unlikely that Teresa would have the intellectual capacity to plan and direct the murders.
 
Shallenberger enlisted Antwain Bennett, a 19 year-old high school drop-out, to purchase shotguns with money Shallenberger got from Teresa.  He first planned to kill Julian on his way home from work and tricked Rodney Fuller, the other triggerman, into accompanying him.  When that plan failed, Teresa was told to leave the door to her home unlocked on October 30, 2002, and Shallenberger and Fuller then entered and shot Julian and C.J.
 
Teresa was unable to keep to Shallenberger’s plan to obtain the money he wanted.  Teresa bungled attempts to retrieve Julian’s cash and C.J.’s insurance, including presenting an obviously forged check to the bank.  When she was questioned by police, she could not keep to a story and quickly confessed her involvement and alerted police to Shallenberger and Fuller.
 
Prosecutors agreed to a life sentence for Fuller.  When he later sentenced Shallenberger, the judge assigned to all three cases explained that he could not “in good conscience” impose a sentence on Shallenberger that was more severe than what Fuller had received, and then sentenced Shallenberger to life in prison. 
 
Teresa pled guilty.  Based on the prosecutor’s summary of evidence, and without knowledge of critical information set out above, the same judge described her as the “head of the serpent” and sentenced her to death.
Teresa has been in a segregation cell for seven years.  A former prison chaplain notes that, although prohibited from direct contact with other inmates, Teresa holds steadfastly to her faith and shares her love and support with women in the cells around her, ministering with her kind words and beautiful voice.  When she sings hymns in her cell, the entire segregation wing calms.  Teresa prays throughout her day for anyone she thinks might be in need.
 
“The Commonwealth should not carry out a death sentence like Teresa’s, which was imposed on the basis of inaccurate and incomplete information,” says Rocap.  “The truth about her involvement in the tragic deaths of Julian and C.J. Lewis does not require or justify her execution, especially in light of the fact that the lives of those who actually gunned down Julian and C.J. were spared.” 
 
Rocap added, “Teresa’s life and prison ministry should be allowed to continue and grace the lives of those around her.  Please join us by calling and writing the Governor, by signing an email petition in support of sparing Teresa’s life, and by sharing Teresa’s story with others.” 
 
For more information about Teresa and her case, please visit: www.saveteresalewis.org.
And on Facebook, visit:  www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Friends-of-Teresa-Lewis/104370726282292
 
 
 
 
More Information on Teresa Lewis' Case
Visit http://www.saveteresalewis.org and please sign the petition in the upper right hand corner.
 
Darick Walker pronounced dead at 9:24 pm May 20, 2010
HELP STOP VIRGINIA’S 107th EXECUTION – May 20, 2010 
In September, 1998, Darick Demorris Walker was sentenced to death for the capital murders of Stanley Roger Beale and Clarence Threat. Beale was killed in November, 1996 and Threat in June, 1997.  It is important that the Governor continue to hear from you that you oppose the execution of Darick Walker.  Please take a few minutes to say “NO” to executions and help us stop the cycle of violence that state sanctioned killing perpetuates.
 
Please take one or more of the following actions:
1. Contact Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell TODAY and ask him to stop the execution
2. Forward this and ask people you know to also contact Governor McDonnell
3. Attend a vigil on May 20th
 
ACTION #1:  Contact Gov. Bob McDonnell RIGHT NOW.
Contact Governor McDonnell and ask him to reconsider his decision and ask that he grant clemency by commuting Walker’s death sentence to life without the possibility of parole.  You can contact the governor by telephone, email, and/or fax.  If you live in Virginia, be sure to start by stating your name and where you live. 
Phone: (804) 786-2211
Fax: (804) 371-6351
 
ACTION #2:  Ask others to join you in taking action. 
Ask people you know to also contact Governor McDonnell, including people at religious services or other activities you attend. 
 
ACTION #3:  Attend an execution protest or vigil on May20th
We will have a vigil at the execution site; Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt at 8:30 pm to protest the execution.  If you are interested in attending this vigil please contact us at (434) 960-7779 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  There will also be vigils held across the Commonwealth on May 20th.
 
VIGILS TAKING PLACE MAY 20th
ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria Friends Meeting at Woodlawn
8660 Woodlawn Road, Ft.Belvoir, VA
Barbara Ginsburg: 703-455-0194, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or John Carle: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
ARLINGTON
Clarendon Metro:
Vigil will be held in the public park between Clarendon and Wilson Boulevards, right behind the Metro exit.
Contact: Tobias Salinger, 816-721-4037, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
ASHLAND
St. Ann's Catholic Church, 8:30 pm
1-804-798-5039, ask for Debbie Novroski or Marty Moran
CHARLOTTESVILLE
Protest: Charlottesville Circuit Courthouse, 12:00 pm
315 E.High Street
Virginia Rovynak: (540) 456-6930

Vigil: Friends Meeting House, 8:45 pm
1104 Forest Street
Harry Landers: (434) 978-1351
FAIRFAX
St. Mary of Sorrows Parish (in the Grotto area outside the church) 8:45-9:15 pm, Rt. 123 and Fairfax Station Rd.
Mason Nottingham: (703) 323-5726
Carol Mayfield: (703) 978-4141, ext 19
FARMVILLE
Farmville Courthouse
Tim & Barbara Lietzke: (434) 223-4160
HARRISONBURG
The Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee plans to hold vigils beginning at 8:45 p.m. the night of each execution, on the south side of Court Square.
Chris Edwards: (540) 434-0457, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Linda Royster: (540) 828-3750, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
LEE COUNTY
Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 9 p.m.
Beth Davies: 276-383-4693 (eve), 276-546-5432 (day), This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
LEXINGTON
Old County Courthouse
8:45 pm, Main Street
Kathy Fox: (540) 463-7001
LOUDOUN COUNTY
Goose Creek Friends Meeting
8:00 pm, Lincoln (Loudon County)
We are currently seeking a volunteer coordinator for this vigil.
LYNCHBURG
Lynchburg Peach Education Center
8:30 pm, First Christian Church, 3109 Rivermont Ave.
Contact Ev Heath: (434) 660-7566
MADISON 
Madison County Court House
6:30-7:30pm
Mary Grace: (540) 948-6328
MANASSAS
Peace Pole (at Lee Ave. and Grant Ave.) 8:45-9:45 p.m.
Jeff & Sharon Haydon: (703) 369-3407
Illana Naylor: (703) 361-8306
Joan Betz: (703) 361-806
NEWPORT NEWS
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 100 Harpersville Rd, 8:30 pm
Mary Ann Stiegleman: (757) 595-0385 ext. 118, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
NORFOLK
Norfolk City Jail - St. Paul's Blvd. and City Hall Ave. 5-6 p.m
Kim, Steve, or Sam - Catholic Workers: (757) 423-5420
RADFORD
7:00 p.m.
Meet at Radford Public Library
Contact Taryn Chase at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and (540)239-6647 
RICHMOND
St. Peter's Catholic Church
OR
Richmond Friends Meeting, 8:30 pm
Contact: Ann Gray: (804) 359-5108 or John Gallini: (804) 272-8141
ROANOKE
There will now be two vigils in Roanoke, both in downtown Roanoke in front of the City Market Building on Campbell Ave.
The first will be from noon-1pm and the second from 8:45-9:15pm
Please contact Gene Edmunds at (540) 343-3100 for more information.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Star of the Sea Church, 1404 Pacific Ave., 7:00 - 7:30pm
Martha Franklin: (757) 422-8282
WINCHESTER
Shenandoah University, Goodson chapel, 8:30 PM
WOODBRIDGE
St Paul United Methodist Church, 1400 G. Street, 8:30 - 9:15pm
Mike Wilson: (703) 680-4972, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
 
 
Statement of Governor McDonnell on the Scheduled Execution of Darick Demorris Walker

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today on the scheduled execution of Darick Demorris Walker.

"On September 1, 1998, Darick Demorris Walker was convicted in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond of the brutal capital murders of Stanley Beale and Clarence Threat, both of whom were in their respective homes when Walker kicked in their doors and shot them to death.  Walker was also found guilty of two counts of burglary, and four counts of using a firearm in the commission of murder and burglary.

On October 8, 1998, the trial court, in accordance with the jury's verdict, sentenced Walker to death.  On March 26, 2010, the Circuit Court set the execution date for May 20, 2010.

Walker's attorney recently submitted a letter listing the reasons why I should intervene in this execution.  I have read the letter and considered the reasons set forth. 

Walker's trial, verdict and sentence have been reviewed by state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Virginia, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.   

After conferring with the appropriate parties, as well as thoroughly reviewing the letter from Walker's attorney, Walker's current and past appeals and the judicial opinions regarding this case, I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was rendered by the jury and imposed and affirmed by the courts.

Accordingly, I decline to intervene."

>> View the release on the Governor's site here