Norfolk Four: Pardon

The "Norfolk Four" refers to the four sailors convicted in the 1997 rape and murder of Michelle Moore-Bosko, wife of another sailor. William Bosko found his wife dead in their apartment after his return from a deployment. The four subsequently withdrew their confessions, which they claimed had been coerced. A fifth person was convicted, but has not challenged the verdict and has said he acted alone (he also implicated the four on another occasion).

Three of the four remain in prison; the fourth was convicted of rape and was released after serving his sentence. The case attracted national attention. Numerous individuals denounced the situation as a miscarriage of justice and called for clemency. John Grisham, the popular author, embraced their cause.

Yesterday Gov. Tim Kaine granted conditional pardons to the three still in prison. He denied clemency to the one no longer behind bars. We earlier had said we could not recommend clemency but would respect Kaine's judgment. We share Attorney General Bill Mims' confidence that this decision was made with great care.

In explaining his decision, Kaine said that while the innocence of the Norfolk Four had not been established, legitimate doubts about the case persisted. He countered certain arguments made on behalf of the Norfolk Four, but recognized the merit in many of the questions critics raised. The conditional pardon allows their release from prison but does not clear their records. Kaine reduced their sentences to time served. His official statement conveys intellectual rigor and suggests the burden the petition placed on his intellect and conscience. It could be that Kaine would not have reached the same verdicts as the juries but understands why they did what they did.

A result such as this inherently dissatisfies. An either-or conclusion -- full pardon or reassertion of guilt -- would have offered greater clarity. Yet absolute clarity in this instance may be impossible. Michelle Moore-Bosko's parents have expressed their devastation; their broken hearts command sympathy. The advocates for the Norfolk Four will welcome the release of the imprisoned three, but should be frustrated that Kaine did not proclaim their innocence. Our understanding of the details available to us would not have inclined us to Kaine's decision. We also trust the governor and recognize the difficult issues with which he wrestled. We know Kaine prayed. He has our prayers.