Local lawmaker plans to propose bill that would allow the death penalty for convicted child rapists

HARRISBURG, Pa. — One of the most heinous crimes in the eyes of district attorneys could soon carry a stiffer penalty, as a Fayette County lawmaker proposes the death penalty for child rapists.

In Pennsylvania, child sex crimes are some of the most serious cases for law enforcement officials.

“For me, outside of homicide where a life is taken, child sex crimes are the next most important cases in my office,” said Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible. “In those situations, you’ve ruined a child’s innocence.”

But sometimes, the penalty for offenders is just 10 years. That’s why Fayette County State Representative Ryan Warner is advocating for a law that would allow the death penalty for those convicted of child rape.

Warner’s proposal comes in response to recent proposals in the Pennsylvania House legislation, which would make it easier to parole offenders with felony convictions, including child rape.

“That kind of made me want to introduce this legislation,” Warner said.

Warner is not the first to propose such a law. Florida lawmakers passed a similar bill last year with bipartisan support.

Beaver County’s Bible says he supports the proposal, but he also sees potential challenges.

“One question the legislature would need to ask itself if you make the penalty for a child rapist death is: ‘What incentive do they have not to kill their victim?’” Bible said.

Bible added that it may be easier to garner support for stricter penalties, such as increasing mandatory sentencing or life in prison, especially given Pennsylvania’s current moratorium on the death penalty.

Despite potential hurdles, Warner remains optimistic.

“It being one of the most heinous crimes in our society, I do believe you will see bipartisan support this year,” he said.

Warner plans to gather more co-sponsors and introduce the bill in the first quarter of the new year.

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