Virginia to execute first woman inmate in 98 years

The US State of Virginia is set to execute a woman for the first time in nearly 100 years.The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday refused to block the execution of Teresa Lewis, who pleaded guilty in May 2003 to two counts of capital murder for hire in the slayings of her husband Julian Lewis and her stepson, Charles Lewis.

Lawyers for the woman say she was manipulated by one of the gunmen, and claim she is borderline mentally retarded. Her former prison chaplain, Baptist minister Lynn Litchfield has been pleading for the woman’s life.

“I think that what is happening to Teresa is unjust,” she said. “I’m not excusing her crime. I think she deserves to be in prison, and punished, and held accountable for her behaviour. But I do not believe she deserves to die for it.”

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell has refused to consider a clemency request.

The Virginia State Catholic Conference has asked people to contact the governor and ask him to change his decision.Only 11 woman have been executed in the United States since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976, as compared to over 1200 men. Of the more than 3200 inmates currently on death row across the country, 53 are women.