When Virginia abolished the death penalty in 2021, Virginians were assured that it wasn’t needed, because the worst murderers could be given life sentences without the possibility of parole.
But soon, even the worst killers could be released. Legislation has been introduced to allow all prison inmates serving long sentences to seek release after specified periods — even serial killers, child killers, and other murderers who once would have been eligible for the death penalty. HB 853 and SB 634, known as the “second look” bills, have been amended to create three tiers for release. Some inmates could seek release after 15 years, while those who commit the most serious offenses would have to wait 20 years or 25 years, depending on their offense.
Most Virginia inmates already spend less than 15 years in prison. For example, manslaughter carries a sentence of one to ten years. Drug possession can lead to sentences of up to 6 months, 1 year, or 10 years, depending on the type of drug.
But some murderers, such as serial killers, are serving sentences of life without parole. This “second look” legislation could not only release them, but give them more freedom than they would get from parole. Inmates released on parole are subject to the supervision of a parole officer, and if they misbehave, they can be sent back to prison for a long time. But inmates released under HB 853 and SB 634 would be free as a bird, with no parole officer to keep tabs on them.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member