Execution Dates Set For Two Pa. Men, Unlikely To Be Carried Out
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa., (CBS) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has issued a notice of execution for two inmates – including a Philadelphia man. But a spokesman says Governor Wolf's death penalty moratorium remains in effect.
The Department of Corrections has set a mid-April execution date for two men, including Lance Arrington, who was convicted by a Philadelphia court of first degree murder in 2000. But Jeff Sheridan, a spokesman for Governor Wolf, says it is simply a matter of procedure. Sheridan says if the governor does not sign an execution warrant, by state law, the Corrections secretary must set a date. Sheridan says if necessary, the governor will issue reprieves in these two cases, though Sheridan can't say exactly when.
"There are still legal options open to these two individuals. If an execution is imminent, the governor will issue a reprieve as he has said he will do for all cases moving forward."
The governor's death penalty moratorium will remain in effect until he receives the report from a Senate task force on the issue.
