Hold on executions prompts legisation

OLYMPIA — A Senate panel heard public testimony Wednesday on a measure that would prohibit any Washington governor from issuing a death penalty reprieve until after receiving a recommendation from the state Clemency and Pardons Board.

Senate Bill 6566 was introduced after Gov. Jay Inslee said earlier this month that he is suspending the use of the death penalty in Washington for as long as he’s in office.

Republican Sen. Steve O’Ban sponsored the bill. He said Inslee committed an injustice by failing to consult with the families of victims and prosecutors before making his decision.

“The families deserve to be heard,” O’Ban said.

Family members of some of those victims spoke at a news conference before testifying at the hearing before the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

Sherry Shaver, the mother of murder victim Telisha Shaver, said she found the governor’s announcement confusing.

“It’s been 18 years,” she said, referring to the amount of time since her daughter’s death. “How much longer to we have to wait for justice?”

Dwayne A. Woods, the man convicted for the double murder of 22-year-old Telisha Shaver and 18-year-old Jade Moore in Spokane County, has been on death row since 1997.

Leola Peden’s daughter, Genie Harshfield, was killed in 1996. Allen Eugene Gregory was convicted of Harshfield’s murder twice after the first case was overturned by the state Supreme Court.

“Twenty-four people absolutely felt he deserved it,” Peden said of the number of jurors who convicted Gregory. “Why is he still breathing?”

Whatcom County Prosecutor David McEachran said he was surprised and disappointed by Inslee’s moratorium. He spoke in favor of O’Ban’s measure, saying having a board give the governor recommendations based on the input of all parties in death penalty cases would be helpful.

Sandy Mullins, a senior policy adviser with Inslee’s office, said she believes Inslee spoke with family members in the case of Johnathan Lee Gentry, who was found guilty of fatally bludgeoning 12-year-old Cassie Holden in 1988. She added that there’s no requirement by law that the governor has to contact a victim’s family members.

Under the measure, the state Clemency and Pardons board would be required to give their recommendation for anyone sentenced to death after July 1. O’Ban’s staff said it would not apply to those on death row at the time of Inslee’s announcement.

Former Washington state legislator and family member of a murder victim, Debbie Regala, spoke against the bill, calling it a distraction from a larger conversation about whether the state should have a death penalty.

“This state needs to have a robust conversation about the use of the death penalty,” she said. “We should take advantage of the opportunity Inslee has given us.”

If passed, a governor would be under no legal obligation to follow the recommendations from a state Clemency and Pardons board. O’Ban, who’s a member of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, says he thinks there’s sufficient support for the bill to pass out of committee.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.