Victims' mother awaits killer's execution

MANASSAS, Va. -- This week, for the second time in nine months, Lorraine Reed Whoberry traveled to Virginia from her Cincinnati home to witness the execution of Paul Warner Powell.

This time, it appears, it will happen.

Powell, 31, is scheduled to die in Virginia’s electric chair at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Powell was convicted of capital murder for fatally stabbing 16-year-old Stacie Reed in her family’s Yorkshire home on Jan. 29. 1999. He was also convicted of raping and attempting to kill her sister, then 14-year-old Kristie Reed, who survived and testified against him.

Kristie — now 25 and still bearing the scars of Powell’s knife across her neck — also plans to watch Powell’s execution.

The family traveled to Virginia in July, when Powell’s execution was to take place, but the United States Supreme Court issued a temporary stay while it decided whether to hear his case.

In January, the Supreme Court decided not to intervene and the execution was reset.
Earlier this week, Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell also said he would not stop the execution.

“It is different,” Whoberry said of her two recent trips to witness the execution. “It’s been a completely different emotional journey, knowing now that it’s going to happen. This is it. We’re finally going to close this chapter.”

Whoberry said it’s been a long road for her family; over 11 years have passed from the day of the attacks to the day of Powell’s execution.

Powell was first convicted of capital murder and sentenced to die in 2000, but the Virginia Supreme Court overturned that conviction.

Thinking he could not face the death penalty again, Powell wrote a taunting letter to Prince William Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert, giving him new evidence.

Powell was tried and again found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to die.

Ebert also plans to attend today’s execution.

Lorraine Whoberry said she and her family have tried not to think too much about the execution in the days leading up to it.

“We’re all kind of anxious, not knowing what to expect,” Whoberry said. “I’m trying not to go with any expectations. I’m just hoping I can get through this and be strong for Kristie.”

In the years that followed Stacie’s death, Whoberry has worked to become a voice for victims’ rights.

She founded the S.T.A.C.I.E Foundation--Striving Towards Achieving Compassion, Intervention and Education--and gives seminars to law enforcement agencies around the country.

The organization, and the Reeds’ story, has gotten a lot of interest from people across the country and in Prince William County, Whoberry said.

“It’s just amazing to me that we’ve touched so many lives through this, that Stacie’s touched so many lives through this,” she said.“I really want to thank the community for all their support and prayers.”

Whoberry said she’s not sure if Powell’s execution will bring her family closure.

“I think it’s a big healing process,” she said. “Only the justice part will come to a close.”

Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.