The case against William Morva isn’t completely over

By Rosa Duarte

Published: March 14, 2008

William Morva sits in jail tonight waiting for his final sentencing in the murders of Hospital Security Guard Derrick McFarland and Sheriff’s Corporal Eric Sutphin.
Thursday, the same jury that convicted him recommended the death penalty.
It may be the last time William Morva sets foot in an Abingdon court room but it’s not completely over. Judge Ray Grubbs will impose Morva’s formal sentence in June and then, the appeals process begins.
Since it’s a death penalty case, the entire case including the trial phase will automatically be reviewed by the Virginia Supreme Court.
Without going into detail, Chief Council for the Defense Tony Anderson says the appeal may relate to jury selection since there were several people seated the defense objected to. The judge also did not allow certain evidence and there were jury instructions requested by the Defense, the judge also refused. 
Anderson says after reviewing the case one of three things can happen. The Supreme Court may agree with the verdict and the sentence, they may agree with the guilty verdict but not the death sentence and select a new jury only for the sentencing phase or they may disagree with everything and if that happens, it’s back to square one.
A clerk with the Virginia Supreme Court says although it does happen occasionally, it’s rare for the Virginia Supreme Court to overturn a death sentence for capital murder.
Prosecutors say Morva’s formal sentence will most likely be in Christiansburg however the decision will most likely be up to the judge.