Mark Warner and Capital Punishment

[redsoxdem]

July 11 is a date that will separate Mark Warner from an ordinary politician to one who I could support for president if he decides he doesn't want to challenge George Allen for his Senate seat. July 11 is the scheduled execution of Robin Lovitt, who was convicted of murdering Clayton Dicks, an Arlington pool-hall manager. Before July 11 Governor Warner has a chance to commute the death sentence of Lovitt until after the results of an independent group's investigation into DNA testing errors at the state crime lab is concluded. On Monday, all of Virginia's death cases will be looked at by that group. DNA testing can accurately determine whether or not the defendant committed the crime he is charged with. Three DNA tests were conducted in the Lovitt case. One test of the murder weapon found positive DNA results from the victim, and two DNA tests were not conclusive. I don't know whether or not Lovitt is guilty or not, but if Lovitt is executed before the results of the independent group's investigation of the state crime lab is finished and Lovitt's guilt is proved, Governor Warner will have to answer to himself on why he didn't commute Lovitt's execution until after the investigation of the crime lab was completed. Warner will have to explain to potential voters why there was a rush to judgment in the Lovitt case. Capital punishment in Virginia is legal, but Governor Warner should make every effort to make sure an innocent man is not executed.

[ernstbass]

1. On a related note

I wonder when and if he will make a decision on releasing the DNA of Randall Coleman who was executed in the early 90's. His innocence has always been in question and a lab in CA has a DNA sample which might put this question to rest for once and all. We need to know if we have executed an innocent man. I certainly hope that Warner would wait for the results in this Lovitt case before giving the go ahead to execute.