TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Doubt Put Off Georgia Man's Execution

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: October 25, 2008

ATLANTA - A federal appeals court gave a last-minute reprieve Friday to a Georgia man set to be executed for the 1989 killing of an off-duty police officer even though several witnesses have changed their accounts of the crime.

Troy Davis, 40, was scheduled to be executed Monday. But the three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered defense attorneys and prosecutors to draft briefs that address whether Davis can meet "stringent requirements" to pursue the next round of appeals.

Davis' supporters have called for a new trial because seven of the nine key witnesses against him have recanted their testimony, and the doubts about his guilt have won him the support of former President Jimmy Carter and other prominent advocates.

"I'm ecstatic. This movement is building and building and building," said Martina Correia, Davis' sister.

"This is going to crumble the justice system in Georgia if they don't do the right thing."

Prosecutors have said the case is closed.

Savannah District Attorney Spencer Lawton also said he doubts the new testimony meets the legal standards for a new trial.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT