Letter to the Governor
Gov. Kaine, I am a Virginia resident writing to ask you to commute the death sentence of Larry Bill Elliot to a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Not only does Mr. Elliot have a strong claim of innocence, but significant research and case study proves that the death penalty is not a deterrent to capital crimes. The death penalty has been abolished in 12 states. In none of these states has the homicide rate increased.
Virginia has a long way to go in rising above the stigma of hate and discord that still lingers in our state. The Great Seal of Virginia depicts the image of Virtue overcoming the threat of Tyranny, and our state motto is “Sic semper tyrannus.” If we are to ensure that “thus always the tyrant” is defeated, we must take up virtue as our guide.
Governor, I ask that you commute Larry Bill Elliot’s sentence as a gesture of virtue toward all Virginians and all Americans.
