Dear Gov. McAuliffe: No Death Penalty for William Morva

Jun 26, 2017

William Morva, a man with a severe mental illness, is scheduled for execution in Virginia on July 6.  Morva was sentenced to death after escaping from jail in 2006 and killing a security guard and a police officer trying to apprehend him. He was diagnosed with delusional disorder, an acute psychotic disorder similar to schizophrenia.

While Morva's crimes were horrific, there is strong evidence that they were the product of his delusional symptoms and that without these symptoms, it is highly unlikely that he would have shot the officers.

NAMI has a long-standing policy opposing the death penalty for people with severe mental illness. As a result, NAMI CEO Mary Giliberti has submitted a joint letter with NAMI Virginia asking Governor Terry McAuliffe to grant clemency and to commute Morva’s death sentence to life without parole and provide him with mental health treatment.  

Read NAMI’s Letter Here

For information about how to communicate your concern to Gov. McAuliffe, visit https://www.mercyformorva.com/take-action