RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Two United Nations human rights experts are calling on Virginia’s governor to halt the execution of a man who killed two people in 2006.
William Morva is scheduled to be executed Thursday for killing a hospital security guard and sheriff’s deputy after escaping from custody. Morva’s attorneys say jurors weren’t informed that his crimes were the result of a severe mental illness that prevents him from distinguishing between delusions and reality.
Among those urging McAuliffe to stop Morva’s execution are UN Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and Dainius Puras. The human rights experts said in a statement Wednesday they are “deeply concerned” that Morva’s trial “did not meet fair trial safeguards.”
Several state lawmakers are also asking McAuliffe to spare Morva’s life.
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