Execution Preparations for Local Law Enforcement

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By Molly Kelleher

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court could now put a stop to this week's execution in Walla Walla. A federal appeals court denied a stay of execution over the holiday weekend. But Cal Coburn Brown appealed to the highest court in the country. As of right now, the execution is happening. And Action News found out Walla Walla is certainly preparing for it.

Story Published: Sep 7, 2010 at 6:22 PM PST

Execution Preparations for Local Law Enforcement
WALLA WALLA - The U.S. Supreme Court could now put a stop to this week's execution in Walla Walla.

A federal appeals court denied a stay of execution over the holiday weekend. But Cal Coburn Brown appealed to the highest court in the country.

As of right now, the execution is happening. And Action News found out Walla Walla is certainly preparing for it.

Cal Coburn Brown is set to die early Friday morning in Walla Walla for a murder on the west side.

The department of corrections is heading up all of the preparations, but it's getting some help from local agencies.

"It's going to be a long day for many of us. They're bringing in extra officers in case there are any problems, but with past executions off the grounds we haven't seen any protesters that require a police response," said Walla Walla Officer Tim Bennett.

But they want to be ready. State troopers, the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Department and local police will all be at the penitentiary. Agencies have been meeting for weeks to prepare.

"On the grounds DOC has direct control and state patrol. There will be both an area for pro and against and off grounds is our main concern keeping the traffic flowing," said Bennett.

There are expected to be roads closed, but no specifics yet.

The execution is scheduled to happen after midnight Friday morning.

At that time a group against the death penalty will be gathered at a church in downtown Walla Walla.

Saint Patrick's church will begin a candlelight vigil late Thursday.

Journalists from around the state will also be in Walla Walla and protesters could come from across the country.

But police say the added interest is not expected to mean added problems.

"We are ready for anything but are not expecting any problems," said Bennett.

Action News will be there for the execution, we've been granted access to the prison information center and will be interviewing media witnesses and tweeting updates.