Everett Supports House Resolution Condemning Governor Wolf’s Failure Regarding Death Penalty
HARRISBURG – Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, today voted to approve a resolution condemning Gov. Tom Wolf for failing to carry out the death penalty in two specific cases.
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House Resolution 143 condemns the governor for issuing reprieves to convicted murderers Hubert Michael and Terrence Williams, both of whom were sentenced to die for their crimes,” said Everett. “The reprieve for Williams came in March, while the Michael reprieve was issued June 3. Both of these acts are egregious on the part of the governor, who should carry out these sentences as was determined by the Pennsylvania judicial system.”
Everett said the Hubert Michael case consisted of the rape and murder of 16-year-old Trista Eng in York Counrty in 1993. Michael was slated to die on Friday, June 5, and has had all appeals exhausted. Michael did not contest his guilt or judgment.
The family of Trista Eng also wrote a public letter to Wolf condemning his actions.
Everett said Terrence Williams was convicted for the 1984 killing of a man in Philadelphia by beating him with a tire iron. Williams’ execution had been set for March 4.
Both these cold-blooded murders have exhausted all their appeals, there is no question as to their guilt, there were no procedural errors in their trials and both penalties have been upheld by the United States Supreme Court. In short – there is no reason for the reprieves other than the governor disagrees with the death penalty.
“The problem is that the death penalty is the law of the land in Pennsylvania in certain cases, like these, and the governor swore an oath to uphold the laws of Pennsylvania. He has no legal or constitutional right to grant a reprieve in these cases and it is for that reason that we passed this Resolution today,” Everett added.
House Resolution 143 now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Garth D. Everett
84th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
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