Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 20, 1991 TAG: 9102200606
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MANASSAS LENGTH: Short
George, standing at the trial table with his attorneys, said nothing during the hearing.
Judge Herman A. Whisenant Jr. set an Aug. 1 date for the 33-year-old Stafford man's execution. All death penalty cases in Virginia get an automatic appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Before the sentencing, George's attorney, Lon Farris, argued that as a child George was devastated by his parents' divorce and was "teased, beat up, and picked on" in school, all of which affected him.
"There really were two sides to Mr. George. One side that committed this heinous offense but the other side that worked well in a controlled situation. He cooperated in jail. He's very polite," Farris said.
Even so, Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Ebert said George must face the consequences of his actions.
"There are two sides to almost everybody," Ebert told the court. "No doubt, he has a good side to him, but the bad side is the side that we as a society, have to deal with."
If given a chance, George would kill again, Ebert said.
George was convicted Dec. 10 by a seven-man, five-woman jury that recommended the death penalty. George was convicted of killing Alexander Sztanko while stealing the youth's wallet, motorcycle and tennis shoes.
by CNB