Virginia becomes first Southern state to abolish death penalty

Virginia officially became the first Southern state and 23rd state nationwide to end capital punishment, after Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed legislation to abolish the death penalty on Wednesday.

Why it matters: Virginia has executed nearly 1,400 people since its days as a colony, more than any other state, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, only Texas has executed more people than Virginia. Two men remained on Virginia's death row as of late February, per AP.
296...