Executions are Constitutional

Execution by lethal injection is constitutional after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it so Wednesday.

That means Edward Nathaniel Bell, who was scheduled for execution by lethal injection, is likely to be executed later this year.

Since Governor Tim Kaine lifted the moratorium on lethal injection in Virginia Wednesday, Bell's execution is likely to take place on July 24, the date set after Kaine stayed it earlier this month.

By a vote of seven to two, the Justices approved Kentucky's method of lethal injection, which clears the way for executions across the country, including in Virginia.

Bell is convicted of killing Winchester Police Sgt. Ricky Timbrook. Bell had the choice of lethal injection or the electric chair. He did not choose and lethal injection is the default.

House Fire

A house fire in Front Royal consumed a home on Anderson Street Thursday morning. The front end of the house collapsed after flames consumed it.

The Front Royal Police Department says there were a total of eight people in the house.

Two were flown by helicopter and are listed in critical condition at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Two have been treated and released, while two more were unharmed.

The last two occupants are unaccounted for as of early Thursday afternoon.