Ask Governor Mark Warner to Enact a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Virginia before the August 18, 2004 Execution of James Hudson
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED:
Request that Governor Mark Warner enact a moratorium on executions in Virginia before the scheduled execution of James Hudson on August 18, 2004.
James Hudson plans to commit state assisted suicide on August 18, 2004.
Hudson plead guilty to the July 2002 slayings of Patsy Ayers Cole; her husband, Wesley Cole, both 64; and Stanley Cole, 56, near South Boston, Virginia. In 2003, Judge Les Osborn sentenced Hudson to death after 60 victim-impact statements, regarding the pain caused to individuals and the community by the murders, were submitted to the court. Public Defender Buddy Ward, at Hudson's request, declined to argue that his client's life should be spared and presented no witnesses. Hudson has since refused to file available State and Federal appeals.
We remember the Cole family and mourn the terrible pain that Hudsons actions have inflicted upon them. We also respect James Hudsons wish to end his life.
But we do not believe that it is the role of the state to facilitate suicide. We believe that justice can be served without putting Hudson to death. Although we respect Hudsons decision not to seek clemency, we call on Governor Warner to call a halt to executions in Virginia before James Hudson is executed on August 18, 2004.
