Court halts execution of Troy Davis Covicted cop killer

Troy Davis was convicted in 1989 for killing a Georgia Policeman. The Appeals court has halted the execution since 7 of the 9 witness who testified against him have since recanted their testimony.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 25-day stay of execution Friday for a Georgia death row inmate who had been scheduled to die on Monday.

Troy Davis was convicted in 1991 of the murder of Savannah police Officer Mark MacPhail three years earlier, but has always maintained his innocence.

Witnesses claimed Davis, then 19, and two others were harassing a homeless man in a Burger King parking lot when the off-duty officer arrived to help the man.

Witnesses testified at trial that Davis then shot MacPhail twice and fled.

Since Davis’ 1991 conviction, seven of the nine witnesses against him have recanted their testimony. No physical evidence was presented linking Davis to the killing.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Davis.

Source: cnn.com via politisite

Protesters out in force as Accusers have Recanted

“The whole world is watching Georgia,” said Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International USA. “Nowhere in the world is there a more serious violation of human rights than what Georgia is about to do to Troy Davis.”

Davis, 40, was convicted of the Aug. 19, 1989 murder of 27-year-old Savannah police Officer Mark Allen MacPhail.

Since his trial, seven of nine key prosecution witnesses have recanted their testimony.

“If it was only one witness, that would be understandable. But seven of nine? That’s a different story,” said Ytunde Orumgbeni, of Atlanta. Unlike most of the protesters, Orumgbeni said she is not opposed to the death penalty.

“We have to do something,” she said. “I feel they’re taking an innocent life.”

Source: ajc.com via politisite

District attorney: Troy Davis case, “I think he is Guilty

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) – Chatham County district attorney Spencer Lawton broke his silence in the paper, and tonight, on WTOC.

Seventeen years is a long time to bite one’s tongue. Spencer Lawton is not pulling any punches.

Lawton says the case is over as far as he is concerned. The US Supreme Court has ruled. His gloves are off. While the Davis family and supporters claim Lawton has twisted the truth, and even lied, in recent editorials, Lawton says he’s ready to set the record straight on the Troy Davis case.

“I think Davis is guilty. I think he shot a police officer to death. In cold blood,” Lawton told WTOC.

Lawton rarely gives television interviews. “I have been very careful to keep my mouth shut about the case,” he said.

The Chatham County district attorney has a lot to say now about the Troy Davis case, 17-years worth.

“What frustrates me is when they say things that just aren’t true,” Lawton said. They, being the defense team behind Troy Davis, the NAACP and Amnesty International, along with an army of supporters who have joined the “Free Troy Davis” movement.

Source: wtoctv.com via politisite