Carroll Foy: “As a public defender, I saw what happens when the criminal justice system is applied unequally…As Governor, I’ll do everything I can to ensure our criminal justice system is fair, just, and right.”
(Woodbridge, VA) – Today, Jennifer Carroll Foy released a statement on the Virignia legislature’s vote to repeal the death penalty. The bill is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam, making Virginia the first Southern state to end capital punishment. Virginia has executed more people than any state except Texas.
“For far too long, Virginia has had the discriminatory death penalty on the books, which disproportionately takes the lives of people of color, the poor, and the mentally ill,” said Del. Carroll Foy. “The death penalty is a feature of our Commonwealth’s racist past. It is far past time to abolish it.”
“As a public defender, I saw what happens when the criminal justice system is applied unequally – vulnerable Virginians and people of color are harmed. My stomach churns when I think about all the people wrongfully put to death,” she continued. “Today is a day for us to applaud the advocates who have been pushing for the death penalty repeal for years and stand with the families of those wrongfully executed. I applaud Governor Northam’s commitment to signing this repeal into law. As Governor, I’ll do everything I can to ensure our criminal justice system is fair, just and right. For all Virginians.”
###
Jennifer Carroll Foy has dedicated her life to service. As one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, a former foster mom, a magistrate judge, and public defender, Jennifer has embodied the ideals of community, honor and commitment in every facet of her life. During her time in the legislature, Jennifer led the way on the Equal Rights Amendment, proudly supported the successful fight to expand Medicaid to over 500,000 Virginians, and passed a budget that includes a 3% salary increase for teachers. She is a proud mother to twin three year olds, and wife to her husband Jeff, who she met her first week at VMI.