Anderson says Vaughn should be eligible for death penalty

MOLINE - A Will County jury took less than an hour to convict a suburban Chicago computer specialist on Thursday of carrying out the execution of his wife and three small children in the family SUV in 2007.

The convicted killer, Christopher Vaughn, was eligible for the death penalty when the case began, but on January 6, 2011, Illinois House members approved SB 3539, abolishing Illinois' death penalty, with the minimum required 60 votes.

Republican candidate for the 72nd State House seat Neil Anderson stated “I believe capital punishment may be the appropriate action in extreme cases. It is a demonstration of the community’s belief that certain crimes are so heinous that the only adequate response may be the penalty of death.” He continued, “It's not vengeance but justice. I believe someone like Christopher Vaughn should be eligible for the death penalty.” Anderson concluded.

Republican Anderson is challenging longtime State Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island), who was the 60th vote when the Illinois House abolished Illinois' death penalty.