Mar. 04, 2015

Lawmaker’s resolution calls on governor to enforce sentences

HARRISBURG — Surrounded by colleagues, law enforcement professionals and victims of some of the most horrific crimes in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) today at a Capitol news conference in Harrisburg unveiled a resolution calling on the governor of Pennsylvania to reverse his recent suspension of the death penalty.


“The governor is standing with some of the worst criminals in Pennsylvania and against their victims,” Vereb said. “We are here today to demand justice for crime victims.”

Pennsylvania’s governor recently initiated a unilateral moratorium on capital punishment executions in the Commonwealth.

If the governor had not interfered, death row inmate Terrence Williams today would have been executed in compliance with the sentence he received. This is the first instance of a death sentence that has been ignored due to the governor’s interference.

Vereb last week began seeking support in the House for a resolution he introduced today calling on the governor to reverse his decision.

“The governor’s decision to single-handedly throw a wrench into death penalty proceedings shows a lack of respect for the democratic process,” Vereb said. “Pennsylvanians elect state legislators to create laws and governors to carry them out. By ignoring the law, the governor is ignoring the will of Pennsylvanians.”

Vereb argued the governor’s decision also showed disrespect for Pennsylvania’s courts, judges, and the men and women who served on juries in death penalty cases.

“When one man decides to disregard the work of judges and jurors who spent days listening to the evidence in death penalty cases, it can undermine the Commonwealth’s legal process,” Vereb said.

Vereb’s House Resolution 143 will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Representative Mike Vereb
150th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
DMassing@PaHouseGop.com
RepVereb.com / Facebook.com/RepMikeVereb
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