HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced on February 13 a moratorium on the death penalty until a report is issued by the Pennsylvania Task Force and Advisory Commission on Capital Punishment.

A release from Wolf’s office said, “Governor Wolf took action only after significant consideration and reflection, but this reprieve is in no way an expression of sympathy for the guilty on death row, all of whom have been convicted of committing heinous crimes, and all of whom must be held to account … This decision is based on a flawed system that is ineffective, many times unjust, and expensive.”

Since the death sentence was reinstated by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1978, Pennsylvania death warrants have been signed in 434 cases, but the state has executed only three people, and those were individuals who decided not to seek an appeal.

Still, Republicans were quick to criticize the move. The Speaker of the House Mike Turzai and Majority Leader Dave Reed questioned whether the governor is overstepping his authority.

They wrote, “Did the governor overstep his authority? Once again, the governor acted not in an open or transparent manner, but unilaterally deciding to alter the law.

“Should Pennsylvania have a death penalty discussion? Yes, and our Judiciary Committee will be doing just that -- through our open and transparent legislative process.

“Part of the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., has been caused by a chief executive who has decided to unilaterally make public policy decisions. If we are to avoid the same problems in Pennsylvania, all branches of government need to be included in those policy decisions.”

Sen. Lisa Baker issued this statement: “I understand there are thoughtful people concerned about the legal and ethical costs of carrying out the death penalty. At the same time, these are heinous crimes for which individuals are being convicted and sentenced to death, a decision that is preceded by consideration of mitigating circumstances. I think we have an obligation to hear from the families of murder victims, from the law enforcement community, and from prosecutors, and to weigh the emotional costs and justice implications, before any repeal action is taken.”

Rep. Ron Marsico issued this statement: “Should a person like Eric Frein, if convicted of the pre-meditated, cold-blooded murder of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Bryon Dickson and of seriously wounding Trooper Alex Douglass, be given the chance to live?

“Capital punishment in Pennsylvania is imposed in only the most serious and extreme circumstances. In fact, fewer than 1% of murderers in Pennsylvania receive a death sentence. It is reserved for only the very worst murderers in our society – those who are beyond redemption. It is reserved for people like Eric Frein.”