WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 12/04/96

08:25-01

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SUPER=@melanie1;

7Beaver

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=tbr
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=NONE

Death row inmate Gregory Beaver was executed last night at the Greensville correctional Center.
Beaver was sentenced to die for the 19-85 murder of a Virginia state trooper.
Beaver pleaded guilty to shooting Trooper Leo Whitt during a routine traffic stop in Prince George County.
Thirty year old Beaver died by lethal injection.

7Executions

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=equ
TAPE#96-89
GRAPHIC=Virginia State Seal

Beaver's death sentence is the first in a 16-day spurt of executions on Virginia's calendar.
Four more men are slated to die this month.
And as Ellen Qualls reports that would give Virginia the dubious distinction of "speediest executioner" this year in the western world.
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SOT
IN Q=Because of that
SUPER=@Allen; :00
SUPER=01-Kent Willis/Virginia ACLU; :55
SUPER=@Ellen1; 1:16
RUNS=1:29
OUT Q=News 7 richmond
((sot 40:25
((GOV. GEORGE ALLEN: BECAUSE OF THAT REASON -- THE REASON THAT THERE'S SUPPOSEDLY MORE IN VIRGINIA THAN ANY OTHER STATE THIS YEAR, THAT'S NO REASON TO DELAY SOMETHING UNTIL JANUARY SECOND. IF JUSTICE WILL BE DONE ON THE TIME SCHEDULED, THAT'S NOT A REASON FOR ME TO INTERVENE.))
runs=:15

A look at the numbers shows South Carolina has put six to death this year.
Virginia has executed five if you include Gregory Beaver.
But Virginia has four more likely to go, and South Carolina has none.
Overall, since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, Texas has set the pace with 107.
Florida's number two with 37, and Virginia's a close third with 34, including Beaver.
By the end of the year, Florida may execute two more men -- and Virginia four more.
The American Civil Liberties Union worries the sped-up process puts stress on the U.S. Surpeme Court.
sot 03:27:40
((KENT WILLIS/VA. ACLU: AND THEY ARE OVERWHELMED WITH CASES. AND THE MORE CASES THAT COME TO THEM, THE LESS LIKELY THEY ARE TO GIVE THE KIND OF ATTENTION THEY SHOULD TO THESE CASES. SO BY TAKING THE WHOLE PROCESS OUTSIDE OF THE SUPREME COURT SYSTEM, AND SPEEDING IT UP, AND GIVING THEM MORE CASES TO DEAL WITH IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, IT'S ANOTHER WAY THAT WE'RE TRUNCATING JUSTICE.))
runs=:23

The pace of executions in Virginia is partly due to changes in state and federal laws.
Judges are also dispatching with appeals quickly.
But Governor Allen says simply "judgment day has come."
Ellen Qualls, News 7, Richmond.))

7County-Supers

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#96-99
GRAPHIC=NONE

It was built to supply Roanoke County residents with drinking water, but soon the Spring Hollow Reservior will also be providing a little fun.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The recreation master plan presented to the board of supervisors includes five phases over ten years.
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;

The first work would include road improvements, parking lots, and trail construction on 700 acres surrounding the reservoir.
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IN Q=If you look at
((PETE HAISLIP/PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR: IF YOU LOOK AT THE MASTER PLAN, WE PROBABLY HAVE THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP ANYWHERE FROM 15 TO 20 MILES OF TRAILS, WHICH IS QUITE AN EXTENSIVE TRAILS NETWORK. ALL THAT IS GOING TO TAKE YEARS AND A LOT OF RESOURCES AS I POINTED OUT.))
SUPER=01-Pete Haislip/Parks and Recreation Director;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=as I pointed out.
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE

The plan will require close to three million dollars over ten years.
Eventually the property could include extensive trails for hikers, cyclists and horse back riders, as well as a marina for canoes and paddle boats.

7Fatal-Fire

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=THa
TAPE#96-95
GRAPHIC=none

A Halifax couple in their 80s died yesterday-- the cause may have been smoke inhalation.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Halifax Co.;

Family members stopped by the couple's home in the Lenning community around noon when no one answered the phone.
That's when they discovered the bodies of Isaac and Annie Garner.
Fumes from an oil heater are being blamed for their death.
Authorities say there were NO flames but the home was filled with black smoke.
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IN Q=All I've
((MAJ. RAY LINK/HALIFAX CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT.:ALL I'VE HEARD FROM EVERYBODY WHO HAVE SPOKE OF THEM TO ME IS THAT THEY WERE VERY WELL THOUGHT OF IN THE COMMUNITY. THEY LIVED BESIDE THE CHURCH. THEY WERE AN ELDERLY COUPLE BUT WELL THOUGHT OF. ))
SUPER=01-Ray Link/Halifax Co. Sheriff's Dept.; :00
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=thought of (second time!).
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VO-NAT

Authorities do NOT suspect foul play, but tests will be done to confirm the exact cause of death.
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7WEATHER

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=none
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=NONE

SUPER=X5000;SET DISSOLVE
SUPER=314-Partly/Sunny/45-49/Increasing/Clouds/23-27;

SUPER=#555;RESET

Turning now to the weather forecast-- We are expecting partly sunny skies today with highs in the mid to upper 40s.
Nightime lows in the mid 20s with increasing clouds. 7BIRTHDAYS! 12/5/96

SUPER=130-48/Patsy Martin/Christiansburg;

SUPER=130-6/Ethan Osborne/Independence;

SUPER=130-8/Michelle Ayers/Lexington;

SUPER=130-1/Decara Atkins/Roanoke;

No Pictures:

(Anniversary)
SUPER=130-60th/Larry & Jenny Tyler/Roanoke;
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55P-Executions

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=abr
TAPE#net-d
GRAPHIC=virginia seal

Death row inmate Gregory Warren Beaver died by lethal injection last night at Greensville Correctional Center.
This is the first of FIVE executions Virginia has scheduled this MONTH.
Amnesty International says that will give Virginia the highest number of executions this year in the western world.
A-C-L-U Director Kent Willis blames the sudden jump in executions on new laws and judges with bad attitudes.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 596-35 43:48
IN Q=What you're seeing
((WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN ON DEATH ROW WHO'VE BEEN PREVIOUSLY BEEN ABLE TO GO THROUGH THE APPEALS PROCESS FOR EIGHT TEN TWELVE YEARS AND HAVING THEM CUT SHORT. ))
SUPER=01-Kent Willis/Virginia ACLU Director;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=them cut short
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VO-NAT

Virginia has adopted new laws to force dates for execution as soon as state appeals are over.
Is the new system rushing criminals through the judicial process?
Governor George Allen says no.
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SOT 96-89 27:50
IN Q=If justice will
((IF JUSTICE WILL BE DONE ON THE TIME SCHEDULED, THAT'S NOT A REASON FOR ME TO INTERVENE.))
SUPER=@Allen;
RUNS=:06
OUT Q=me to intervene
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VO-NAT prepro

Overall Virginia is in third place for executions behind Texas and Florida, and the numbers in the Commonwealth are expected to rise in coming years.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD

Surprisingly since parole was abolished, there have only been two death sentences in Virginia in the last two years.

55Rainbow-Murders

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#net (edit of 96-90)
GRAPHIC=Murder Investigation

Jacob Beard was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of two young women more than 15 years ago,-- but now someone else is confessing to the so called Rainbow Family killing.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-St. Louis, MO;

From a prison cell in St. Louis, convicted killer Joseph Paul Franklin says he killed Vicki Durian and Nancy Santomero.
The two were hitchhiking to a Rainbow Family Gathering in the summer of 19-80.
(//////////////)
SOT
IN Q=As soon as I shot her
((JOSEPH PAUL FRANKLIN/CONVICTED MURDERER: AS SOON AS I SHOT HER, I JUST TURNED AROUND REALLY QUICKLY OVER THE SEAT AND SHOT THE OTHER ONE. IT ONLY TOOK ONE SHOT FOR THE FIRST ONE. BEING A .44 MAGNUM, THE GUN MADE A LOT OF NOISE AND A LOT OF RECOIL THERE, BUT I WAS JUST SO PSYCHED UP, I DIDN'T HEAR THE GUN FIRING REALLY.))
RUNS=:21
OUT Q=firing really.
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VO-NAT

West Virginia authorities still believe they got the right man when they prosecuted Jacob Beard.
Franklin's claims were excluded from Beard's trial as hearsay.
Now Franklin says he's willing to testify, and state police have indicated they will take a fresh look at the evidence.
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55WEATHER

8P-Executions

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=abr
TAPE#net-d
GRAPHIC=virginia seal

In 19-85 he fatally shot a Virginia state trooper, and last night Gregory Warren Beaver was executed for the crime at the Greensville Correction Center.
This is the first of FIVE executions Virginia has scheduled this MONTH.
Due to the grim schedule Amnesty International says Virginia will execute the most people in the western world this year.
A-C-L-U Director Kent Willis blames the sudden jump in executions on new laws and judges with bad attitudes.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 596-35 43:48
IN Q=What you're seeing
((WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN ON DEATH ROW WHO'VE BEEN PREVIOUSLY BEEN ABLE TO GO THROUGH THE APPEALS PROCESS FOR EIGHT TEN TWELVE YEARS AND HAVING THEM CUT SHORT. ))
SUPER=01-Kent Willis/Virginia ACLU Director;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=them cut short
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Virginia has adopted new laws to force dates for execution as soon as state appeals are over.
Is the new system rushing criminals through the judicial process?
Governor George Allen says no.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 96-89 27:50
IN Q=If justice will
((IF JUSTICE WILL BE DONE ON THE TIME SCHEDULED, THAT'S NOT A REASON FOR ME TO INTERVENE.))
SUPER=@Allen;
RUNS=:06
OUT Q=me to intervene
(----------------)
VO-NAT prepro

Overall Virginia is in third place for executions behind Texas and Florida, and the numbers in the Commonwealth are expected to rise in coming years.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD

Surprisingly since parole was abolished, there have only been two death sentences in Virginia in the last two years.

8Rainbow-Murders

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#net (edit of 96-90)
GRAPHIC=Murder Investigation

A man convicted of killing two women in 1980 who were on their way to a Rainbow Family Gathering... may get another chance at freedom.
A serial killer locked up in the midwest says he committed the crime and is ready to testify.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-St. Louis, MO;

From a prison cell in St. Louis, convicted killer Joseph Paul Franklin says he killed Vicki Durian and Nancy Santomero.
The two were hitchhiking to a Rainbow Family Gathering in the summer of 1980.
SOT
IN Q=As soon as I shot her
((JOSEPH PAUL FRANKLIN/CONVICTED MURDERER: AS SOON AS I SHOT HER, I JUST TURNED AROUND REALLY QUICKLY OVER THE SEAT AND SHOT THE OTHER ONE. IT ONLY TOOK ONE SHOT FOR THE FIRST ONE. BEING A .44 MAGNUM, THE GUN MADE A LOT OF NOISE AND A LOT OF RECOIL THERE, BUT I WAS JUST SO PSYCHED UP, I DIDN'T HEAR THE GUN FIRING REALLY.))
RUNS=:21
OUT Q=firing really.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

West Virginia authorities still believe they got the right man when they prosecuted Jacob Beard.
Franklin's claims were excluded from Beard's trial as hearsay.
Now Franklin says he's willing to testify, and state police have indicated they will take a fresh look at the evidence.
(-------------)

8Abandoned-Auto

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-97
GRAPHIC=None

Lynchburg investigators are looking into an abandoned car found with blood stains.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;

The vehicle was left in the parking lot of the Olan Mills photography studio on Wadsworth Street.
Studio employees say it had been there for about a week before they called police.
Officers forced the lock, and found the front passenger seat covered in what appeared to be blood.
The car has New York state tags, and a New York City police department sticker on its windshield.
(----------------)

8Town-Council

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-100
GRAPHIC=NONE

A Rocky Mount resident is accusing town council members of some unethical activity.
The resident says council members have misappropriated funds and accepted special favors.
But Town Manager Mark (HENNA) Henne denies the accusations.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Rocky Mount;

He says under no circumstances have any rules been broken.
Henne does not know why council is being targeted but he says it hurts on a professional level.
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SOT 13:42:45
IN Q=I don't
((MARK HENNE/ROCKY MOUNT TOWN MANAGER: I DON'T KNOW IF ITS PERSONALLY... PROFESSIONALLY, YES. WHEN WE KNOW OUR PEOPLE DOWN HERE. WE'VE GOT A GOOD STAFF. WE'RE VERY PROUD OF OUR EMPLOYEES-- WORK HARD. WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF THEM. THEY DO A LOT. AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT GETS YOU. ))
SUPER=01-Mark Henne/Rocky Mount Town Manager;
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=gets you
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE

Rumors have also circulated that a state police investigation may be requested.
Commonwealth's Attorney Clifford Hapgood could not be reached for comment.