Gov. Timothy M. Kaine postponed the execution of Percy Walton...

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine postponed the execution of Percy Walton to allow more time to review claims the condemned inmate is mentally retarded and insane.
It is the 2nd time the governor has temporarily halted Walton's execution. On June 8 (see), Kaine issued a 6-month delay to allow for an independent evaluation of Walton's mental condition.
The results of that evaluation prompted the governor to delay Walton's execution an additional 18 months, until June 10, 2008, for "continued observation" of his mental state.
Walton "is severely mentally impaired and meets the Supreme Court's definition of mental incompetence," Kaine said. "At the same time, it is within the realm of possibility - though unlikely - that Walton's mental impairment is not permanent."
Walton pleaded guilty in 1997 to the murders of Jessie and Elizabeth Kendrick, a couple in their 80s, and 33-year-old Archie Moore.
Several of Walton's fellow death row inmates have told The Associated Press that Walton spends his days laughing to himself and talking to voices in his head, and is incapable of engaging in meaningful conversation.