
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 13, 1994                   TAG: 9401130182
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Richmond bureau
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LAWMAKERS RECONSIDER EVIDENCE LAW

Citing the Earl Washington case and the "absolute dread" of executing an innocent person, a legislative subcommittee on Wednesday voted to push for giving convicts already in prison the right to a court hearing when they discover new evidence of innocence.

Virginia law now says that new evidence cannot be introduced later than 21 days after conviction. In Washington's case, newly available genetic testing strongly suggests that he did not commit the rape and murder for which he was convicted.

Without some change in the evidence law, Washington cannot submit the evidence. His only hope for reprieve rests in a pardon from the governor.

Republicans and Democrats on the subcommittee agreed on the concept of providing a mechanism for inmates like Washington, though they disagreed on details.

Del. Clifton Woodrum, D-Roanoke, who heads the subcommittee, said Washington's case gives the issue great weight because executing an innocent man "would reduce the credibility of the death penalty absolutely."

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994

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