The Salem Statesman Journal reports, "Former Oregon warden seeks end to death penalty." It's written by Alan Gustafson.
A former state penitentiary warden who oversaw the last two inmate executions in this state has joined an advocacy group determined to repeal Oregon's death penalty.
In an interview Friday with the Statesman Journal, Frank Thompson described the death penalty as "a failed public policy."
"In my opinion, capital punishment fails terribly in meeting any evidence-based outcomes," he said.
The retired Oregon Department of Corrections administrator was at the helm of the Oregon State Penitentiary during the lethal-injection executions of serial killer Douglas Wright in 1996 and Salem double killer Harry Moore in 1997 — the only inmates put to death since Oregon voters reinstated capital punishment in 1984.
This week, Thompson joined Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, becoming one of three new members on its advisory council.
And:
The ex-warden said he favors life in prison as the suitable alternative punishment for convicted murderers sentenced to death.
"I do believe that life without the possibility of parole is an effective sanction in lieu of the death penalty," he said.
Looking back on his leadership role in planning and carrying out the two executions in the 1990s, Thompson said he performed his duty as "a good soldier."
But, he said, it was a daunting task that remains etched in his memory.
"It's a life-changing experience," Thompson said.
Earlier coverage of corrections workers speaking against capital punishment begins at the link.
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