The Role of Murder Victim Family Members in the Death Penalty Abolition Movement
May 27, 2020
This was the second in a series of Abolition University education sessions for VADP supporters. This event focused on the Role of Murder Victim Family Members in the Death Penalty Abolition Movement.
One national abolition leader and three victim family members in Virginia shared their stories for this session:
- Renny Cushing, New Hampshire legislator & leader of the successful death penalty abolition campaign in that state
- Linell Patterson, Harrisonburg
- Dave Knight, Alexandria
- Rachel Sutphin, Christiansburg
Renny described how murder victim family members like him first became involved in the death penalty abolition movement and how they fundamentally altered the public policy debate in state legislatures, paving the way for ending capital punishment in multiple states. Linell, Dave, and Rachel shared their personal stories of loss and their involvement in abolition work here in Virginia.
Panel members also answered questions from participants in this one hour online session.
Enjoy the video and let us know if you have any questions.