RantCrush Top 5: July 6, 2017

Two human rights experts from the United Nations are calling for the governor of Virginia to stop the execution of William Morva. The execution is scheduled to take place this evening. In 2006, Morva killed a hospital security guard and a sheriff’s deputy while escaping from custody. But he was found to be seriously mentally ill, and suffers from a delusional disorder. His symptoms include paranoia, eating mainly nuts and pinecones, consuming raw meat, and believing he was “chosen” to save the indigenous people. Now, even the daughter of one of the victims is fighting for his clemency, as she is opposed to capital punishment. It’s unclear whether Governor Terry McAuliffe will step in.

There is no justice in executing a mentally ill man who has no real understanding of his crimes. @GovernorVA #Mercy4Morva

— Sister Helen Prejean (@helenprejean) July 3, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.