Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell: UVA Murder 'Maybe... Could've Been Prevented'
May 12, 2010 — -- The governor of Virginia called for changes the reporting of criminal records today and said that the murder of a University of Virginia lacrosse player might have been prevented if someone who knew about the accused's violent history had spoken up.
"I think the broader question is, there's ways to get information to administrators obviously from police, from court records, but it brings the larger question of the obligation to all of us in our society [that] if we see things that look wrong or strange behavior or violent behavior, to really be more involved," Gov. Bob McDonnell told "Good Morning America" today. "Particularly in domestic-related situations, can other people intervene because they see things going on... and maybe this could have been prevented."
George Huguely, the varsity lacrosse player accused of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend and fellow lacrosse player Yeardley Love last week, had a history of violent behavior including several run-ins with the law.
McDonnell said he met with UVA President John Casteen to discuss what can be done legally to make sure administrators are aware a student's violent history on or off campus in hopes of avoiding a repeat of what he called "an unprecedented tragedy.
"There's reviews going on now. We're conducting our own look at the facts after all the investigation is done," he said. "When the general assembly comes back next year, we can make those changes."
The governor's comments came just a day after Huguely's mother broke her silence about the case to say she is "devastated and confused" by what her son is accused of doing.
"As a mother, I never expected to be in a situation like this," Marta Murphy said in a statement Tuesday. "Though my pain is great, it will never come close to the anguish felt by the Love family...The pain [her mother Sharon] and her family are suffering is something that no family should ever have to endure."
Murphy released her statement because of numerous media requests.
"It has been difficult to remain silent during this dark, tumultuous time," she said, but asked that her family be left alone. "Along with my family, I am devastated and confused. We are all trying to understand and cope as best we can."
Murphy said she knew Love because of her son's long relationship with her.
"Yeardley was part of our lives... She was a sweet wonderful young woman with a limitless future. We also know her mother, Sharon," she said.
While Murphy said she is grieving and praying for Love's family, she also said she will stand by her 22-year-old son, who was accused in her killing.
"I hope that people can understand that both George's father and I love our son. We will support George in whatever way we can -- just as any mother or father would do for their child," she said.
"As a person of faith, I continue to pray for the Love family, for Yeardley's friends and, for my son George," Murphy said.
