A service of Salisbury University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pressure Mounts for Virginia Governor to Halt Execution

Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-Va)
official photo
Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-Va)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's Democratic governor is facing mounting pressure to halt next week's scheduled execution of an inmate whose case has seen two witnesses recant, years after he was convicted of ordering his ex-girlfriend's killing.

Ivan Teleguz is scheduled to receive a lethal injection April 25 unless granted clemency by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

McAuliffe is Catholic. He's said he personally opposes capital punishment but will uphold the law as governor. He hasn't stopped an execution during his tenure.

Since Teleguz's trial, two witnesses have said they lied to secure a deal.

The traditionally conservative newspaper of Virginia's capital city and death penalty foes, including British billionaire Richard Branson, are urging Telguz's life be spared.

The victim's relatives say they're convinced he's guilty.

McAuliffe is the only person who can grant Teleguz clemency.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.