Virginia Sheriffs’ Association statement on William Morva execution

Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan, president of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, issued the following statement on the execution of William Morva:

“The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association fully supports Governor Terry McAuliffe’s decision to allow the execution of William Morva to proceed. Morva was convicted by a circuit court in Montgomery County, VA for the murders of a Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy and a security guard.

“During the capital murder trial, the jury considered Mr. Morva’s mental health status. After deliberation, the jury handed down a guilty verdict and sentenced him to death.

“Today’s execution of William Morva is not solely about the death penalty, which is a larger question. However, it is about enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”