When the defense took the unusual step of asking the judge , instead of the jury , to pass sentence , Judge Gardner chose death . Sister Helen Prejean , portrayed in `` The Death of Innocents , '' wants court to review death row case . Virginia court denies request to set Prejean execution for 14 years . She 's on death row for allegedly plotting to murder her husband , but her son has confessed . Michelle Byrom 's has `` suffered a lifetime of abuse '' and `` struggles with mental illness , '' writes Prejean .
Sister Helen Prejean , portrayed in `` The Death of Innocents , '' wants court to review death row case . Virginia court denies request to set Prejean execution for 14 years . She 's on death row for allegedly plotting to murder her husband , but her son has confessed . Michelle Byrom 's has `` suffered a lifetime of abuse '' and `` struggles with mental illness , '' writes Prejean .