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Jack Payden-Travers
Guest columnist
Almost four decades ago, I made a move from New York City to Richmond, Va. I was coming for my wifeâs job. Tim Kaine moved to Richmond, his wifeâs home, the same year. We met at a church service and became friends.
In 2004, I attended a vigil in front of the death house on the evening of Linwood Brileyâs execution. The press reported that 500 people attended pro and con vigils that night in front of the state penitentiary in Richmond. I recall sensing the anger of those favoring death that was directed at our candlelight vigil, the repugnance of signs like âFry Briley Fryâ or âChicken Fried Briley,â and the intimidation caused by occasional attempts by pro-execution participants to disrupt our vigil and the prayers being led by Bishop Walter Sullivan and the daughter of one of Brileyâs victims. It was my first but not my last anti-execution vigil.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, seated center, signs a bill abolishing the death penalty, surrounded by legislators and activists at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Va., on March 24, 2021.Photo: Steve Helber/APVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam, seated center, signs a bill abolishing the death penalty, surrounded by legislators and activists at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Va., on March 24, 2021.Photo: Steve Helber/AP
The Long Shadow of Virginiaâs Death Penalty
Virginia made history when it abolished capital punishment. But for those who were proximate to the stateâs 113 executions, closure remains complicated.
April 11 2021, 12:20Â p.m.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, seated center, signs a bill abolishing the death penalty, surrounded by legislators and activists at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Va., on March 24, 2021.Photo: Steve Helber/APVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam, seated center, signs a bill abolishing the death penalty, surrounded by
Payden-Travers: Reflections on ending the death penalty roanoke.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from roanoke.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.