The execution of Alfredo Prieto: Witnessing a serial killer’s final moments

By Tom Jackman

Rachael A. Raver in her high school graduation picture, 1984. She would be slain by Alfredo Prieto four years later. (Courtesy Deidre Raver)

JARRATT, Va. — It is undeniably disturbing to drive to the scheduled killing of another. A hurricane brewing in the distance, slicing steady rain through the gray day. The first song on the car radio: “Enter Sandman,” by Metallica. Passing the old Lorton prison on the way out of Fairfax County.

But the state of Virginia handles the execution of convicted murderers in a precise and professional way. Similarly, serial killer Alfredo R. Prieto lived the final moments of his life with his own version of professionalism, maintaining the same passive look he held through his three long trials in Fairfax, and defiantly refusing to show any remorse or regret as he issued a rehearsed final statement similar to a pro athlete being interviewed after a game. He thanked his “supporters” and then snapped, “Get it over with.”

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Protesters gather outside City Hall to oppose Virginia execution of Alfredo Prieto

By Katie Grimesey

People protested the execution of Alfredo Prieto, which was put on temporary hold. Protest organizer Virginia Rovnyak said if the execution is rescheduled, they will be back to protest again.

Protesters gathered outside of the Charlottesville City Courthouse to demonstrate against the execution of convicted serial killer Alfredo Prieto.

The execution was scheduled for 9 p.m. Thursday but was put on temporary hold.

Virginia Rovnyak, senior scientist and statistician for the University School of Nursing, organized the event, providing posters and advertising for the protest with the help of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

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Pope urges McAuliffe to spare Prieto one day before scheduled execution

By Laura Vozzella

Pope Francis greets corrections officers at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia, during his visit there Sunday. (Todd Heisler/AP)

RICHMOND — Pope Francis’s representatives in Washington wrote to Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe Wednesday, asking him to call off the looming execution of serial killer Alfred Prieto.

Prieto, 49, could be put to death as early as Thursday night, pending the outcome of a court hearing.

“The U.S. Apostolic Nuncio wrote a letter on behalf of the Holy Father to Governor McAuliffe, asking that Mr. Prieto not be executed,” said Jeff Caruso, executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference.

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