If Mike Sarahan thinks that we should dismantle the death machine (“Final Wishes,” Back Page, Jan. 17), then maybe he should re-read the cases of two horrific crimes: the Briley brothers and the Harvey case.

These are only two of some really heinous crimes committed in Virginia. It most certainly is not barbaric to put to death brutal killers, and I hope Gov. Kaine will not dismantle our current execution system. Let justice be served to convicted criminals.

Jerilynn T. Grigsby
Richmond