VADP

What is the Journey of Hope?  The Journey of Hope is a collection of speakers who will tour through Virginia over the course of 17 days in October.  The tour will bring together the human faces of injustice, those whose lives have been directly impacted by the death penalty – parents and siblings who’ve lost loved ones to murder, innocent men sentenced to die for crimes they did not commit, and family member of those executed or on death row.  These speakers and activists will gather for presentations to community organizations, congregations, civic groups, schools and other gatherings.  The presentations are eye opening and emotional, sure to touch the hearts and minds of the people of Virginia. 

Why Virginia?   Our death penalty system is broken.  Just months ago, Virginia nearly executed a man who was so mentally ill that he was excited to go to Burger King on a motorcycle after his execution. 

          Most studies have found that the death penalty is significantly more expensive than a system of life without parole, even when including the costs of long-term imprisonment.  The high cost diverts resources from other areas – including crime prevention, victims’ services, and transportation.

          Since 1991, 5 death row inmates have had their sentences changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole when Virginia governors grew concerned about their possible innocence.  Physical evidence was available in Earl Washington Jr.’s case, and he was exonerated after spending 16 years in prison. 

          Studies have repeatedly shown significant geographical and racial bias in the implementation of the death penalty in Virginia. 

Why now?  The time is ripe for change.

          In Virginia, more and more people are questioning the use of the death penalty.  “Is it fair?”  “Is it necessary?” “Could we execute an innocent person?”  We all must ask ourselves these questions.

          Most recently Governor Tim Kaine expressed the view that Virginia does not need a death penalty.  Now is the time to call for a suspension of executions so the legislature can look at these questions – so they can study and address the problems related to this system so plagued with errors.  We must build a widespread grassroots movement in support of a moratorium in Virginia.