Virginia Murder Victim Family Members Call for Death
Penalty Abolition
A Sign-on Letter
May 1, 2020
Each of us has lost a family member to homicide. At a moment none of
us could have predicted or prepared for, tragedy robbed from us
children, parents, spouses, brothers and sisters, and other family
members.
Our direct experiences with the criminal justice system and struggling
with grief have led us all to the same conclusion: Virginia’s death
penalty fails victims’ families.
We never asked to be in this position and would do anything to
change it. We realize, however, that nothing can erase the pain that a
senseless act of violence brought into our lives. But we can honor the
memory of our loved ones and other families who may face tragedy by
working for effective responses to violence.
Our Commonwealth has an inefficient and ineffective death penalty
system. Criminal justice funding for expensive capital murder trials
could be better spent on much needed and currently underfunded
support programs that help victims’ families with funeral costs,
counseling and other services.
Capital cases take many years to reach completion, forcing our
families to deal with mandatory court appeals and the legal system
much longer than with a non-capital trial or a plea bargain. The
media replays the details of the crime each time. The defendant is
turned into a celebrity while the victim’s family is traumatized again
and again.
The death penalty is said to be reserved for “particularly heinous
murders.” We have difficulty understanding this position. The
implication is that other murders are “ordinary.” From experience we
can tell you that, to victims’ families, every murder is heinous.
Seeking the death penalty in capital murder cases is inefficient,
ineffective, and traumatic for many families like ours.
We call on the Virginia General Assembly to abolish the death penalty
and replace it with life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Virginia Murder Victim Family Members Call for Death
Penalty Abolition
A Sign-on Letter
May 1, 2020
I agree with this statement and am willing to be publicly
identified as a supporter.
Name (print):
Town/City: State:
Name of loved one(s):
My relationships to loved one(s):
Location of death: Date of death:
Signature:
Date signed:
Please return this signed & completed form via e-mail or postal
mail to:
VADP
P.O. Box 12222
Richmond, VA 23241
office@vadp.org
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