Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 8, 1995 TAG: 9511080082
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
U.S. District Judge Robert R. Merhige appointed Strickler a new attorney and gave him 20 days to file paperwork for a federal habeas corpus proceeding. The execution was stayed so Strickler can continue his federal appeals.
Don Harrison of the state Attorney General's office said Richmond lawyer Mary F. Kelly was appointed to represent Strickler during the federal hearings.
Strickler was convicted of capital murder for the January 1990 rape and slaying of Leanne Whitlock, a sophomore at James Madison University.
Strickler killed Whitlock by crushing her skull with a 69-pound rock, according to Virginia Supreme Court records.
Strickler has exhausted his state appeals, but has just begun his federal appeals, said Mark Olive, director of the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center in Richmond, which filed the motion for the stay Monday.
``It's only been about five years since we had [the trial], and it usually takes 10 to 12 years'' to complete the appeals process, said Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney Lee Ervin, who prosecuted Strickler.
Ervin said he believes that Strickler's death sentence is warranted.
``I don't know of anybody who deserves it more,'' he said.
by CNB