Former executioners say it's time to kill the death penalty. KBAK EYEWITNESS NEWS

Former executioners say it's time to kill the death penalty.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Jerry Givens is no stranger to thedeath penalty. As former chief executioner for the state of Virginia, Givens executed 62 convicted criminals. "I carried out 37 executions by lethal injection and 25 by electrocution," said Givens on Wednesday night. Givens, along with fellow former executioner and warden RonMcAndrew, of Florida, were in Bakersfield as guest speakers advocating for the passage of Proposition 34 on California's November ballot. Like Givens, McAndrew also carried out executions, but has since come to oppose the death penalty. "I supported it through ignorance," said McAndrew.