Via this AP story, we learn that Governor Tim Kaine issued an absolute pardon to Earl Washington, Jr., a man who was once nine days from execution.
In 2000, DNA testing implicated a convicted rapist, Kenneth Maurice Tinsley, who pleaded guilty in April to Williams’ slaying in Culpeper. Washington was pardoned by Gov. Jim Gilmore in 2002, but that pardon did not mean he was innocent, only that a jury would not have convicted him in light of the DNA evidence.
“It is now evident that Mr. Washington was and is innocent of the crimes against Mrs. Williams,” Kaine wrote in the pardon, issued Tuesday. “I have decided it is just and appropriate to grant this revised absolute pardon that reflects Mr. Washington’s innocence.”
OK, so that’s taken care of. No offense to Mr. Washington but can we now get a pardon for Arthur Whitfield?
It’s also interesting to note how many years were wasted while Virginia shamelessly opposed additional DNA testing in the Earl Washington, Jr. case, and how long it took Jim Gilmore to have Earl Washington released after it became clear that he was innocent. Take a look back at the statements made in connection with Earl Washington, Jr.’s release; they are an outrage.
Being Republican means never having to say you’re sorry.
We should hold Tim Kaine to a higher standard, and demand that he issue a full pardon to Arthur Whitfield immediately.
Posted by VAB | Friday, July 6, 2007, 3:05 pm