Thomas A. Porter - black, age 29

Sentenced to death in Virginia

By: Circuit Court Judge Chuck Griffith following a jury recommendation

Date of crime: October 28, 2005

Prosecution’s case/defense response: Porter was found guilty of shooting police officer Stanley C. Reaves one time in the head in broad daylight in front of several witnesses. The prosecution stated that Porter shot the officer because he knew he had an outstanding warrant and it was illegal for him to be carrying the gun. The defense argued that Porter shot the officer because he feared for his life during an altercation with the officer. The courtroom was filled with uniformed officers during the duration of the trial. The prosecution set forth Porter’s actions during the time he was on the run including the celebration of his birthday at a bar. This information bolstered their argument that Porter felt no remorse for his actions. Porter asked Judge Griffith not to impose the death sentence as killing him would not bring Reaves back.

Prosecutor(s): Jack Doyle

Defense lawyer(s): Joseph A Migliozzi

Sources: Virginia Pilot and Ledger Star 3/17407 (2007 WLNR 4806681), 7/17/07 (2007 WLNR 13591255); AP Alert 3/14/07 (VA 21:52:29)