William Morva was convicted of killing a security guard and sheriff’s deputy nine years ago. He had been jailed for robbery, and was delusional -- convinced the prison food was killing him. Morva’s execution is scheduled for Thursday night, but opposition is mounting.
In 2014 a court-ordered psychiatrist diagnosed Morva with delusional disorder and noted his crimes may have been committed because of his delusions.
Morva’s lawyers have requested clemency from Governor Terry McAuliffe. The Governor hasn’t made a decision yet, and time is running short.
Now, officials from the United Nations say they’re deeply concerned about Morva’s deteriorating psychological condition, and they’re urging McAuliffe to step in.
Learn More: State to Execute Morva Despite Serious Mental Illness
“In my memory this is the first time the UN Special Rapporteur has ever been involved directly in a Virginia execution," says Rob Lee. Lee has been representing death row inmates in Virginia for more than 20 years. “The last time that the UN Special Rapporteur became directly involved in an execution in the United States was in the case of Scott Panetti, another man who was afflicted with serious mental illness."
The daughter of one of the men killed by Morva is also calling for clemency. In an email Rachel Sutphin, daughter of Montgomery County Sheriff's corporal Eric Sutphin, says she's against the death penalty for religious and moral reasons.
"I am against the death penalty for religious and moral reasons. I have fought and will continue to fight for clemency for all death row inmates until Virginia declares the death penalty unconstitutional. I have sent my own letter to the Governor showing my support for clemency," Sutphin wrote.
Almost 20 state lawmakers have also signed a letter asking the Governor to commute Morva’s death sentence to life in prison.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
