In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales examine the case of William Morva, a man convicted of murder who was put to death in July 2017, despite having a diagnosis of severe mental illness. Facts of the case are addressed, and many questions raised. Additionally, our hosts share some statistics about the mentally ill population in the U.S. corrections system, including the percentage of mentally ill in jails and prisons, and look at why their average length of stay is so much longer than that of other inmates. Finally, three other executions are discussed, all of which involved individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses.

Show Highlights:

[1:37]         Examining the specifics of the William Morva case.

[5:44]         The US Supreme Court’s opinion on the execution of the mentally ill.

[10:04]       Statistics about the mentally ill population in US jails and prisons.

[14:13]       A look at three other executions of the mentally ill.

Listen as Our Hosts Discuss the William Morva Case

“Who does this serve? Does executing a mentally ill man really reduce crime and make us safer?” ~ Gabe Howard

About The Psych Central Show Podcast Hosts

Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar and anxiety disorders. In addition to hosting The Psych Central Show, Gabe is an associate editor for PsychCentral.com. He also runs an online Facebook community, The Positive Depression/Bipolar Happy Place, and invites you to join.

Vincent M. Wales is a former suicide prevention counselor who lives with persistent depressive disorder. In addition to co-hosting The Psych Central Show, Vincent is the author of several award-winning novels and the creator of costumed hero Dynamistress. Visit his websites at www.vincentmwales.com and www.dynamistress.com.

This podcast originally appeared on Psych Central as, “Podcast: Who Is Served By Executing The Mentally Ill? A Look At The William Morva Case.”