These are the first images from the 14th annual fast and vigil to abolish the death penalty. More photos will be put up in the next two weeks.

Moreese Bickham, who just celebrated his 90th birthday and who was released from death row by the Furman decision that ended the death penalty in 1972, is in the small group at the top of the steps on the right.

 Jack Payden-Travers, director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, and friends listening to Mr. Bickham

 
Moreese Bickham speaking

  Sarah signing

  The view from the forbidden steps

Jack, Abe, Lorig, Beth, Ron, and some of the people who will grow up without a death penalty. The Methodist building in the background stores the banners, water, t-shirts etc.

  Ron guarding the sleepers who stayed on Sunday night