Last-ditch legal efforts delayed the execution of a Georgia man who has convinced hundreds of thousands of his innocence.
Lawyers for Troy Davis, convicted of killing a police officer, filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. His execution had been set to begin at 7 p.m., but as the hour arrived, Georgia prison officials waited for the high court’s decision.
At the state prison in Jackson, several hundred Davis supporters gathered as dozens of law enforcement in riot gear looked on.
About a dozen supporters of the slain officer were also on hand.
Protests also were held at the Capitol in Atlanta and City Hall in Savannah, outside the White House and in Paris and London.
UPDATE: TROY DAVIS’ EXECUTION IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR 11PM
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a last-minute stay of execution for Troy Davis after a delay to weigh arguments from Davis’ legal team and the state of Georgia over whether his execution should be blocked.
The court’s decision to deny the stay came after 10 p.m. ET, more than three hours after Davis’ execution originally was scheduled today. The court did not comment on its decision.
The execution now is expected to occur by 11 p.m. ET.
At 7:05 p.m. ET, five minutes after his scheduled death, Davis’ supporters erupted in cheers, hugs and tears outside the jail in Jackson, Ga., as supporters believed Davis had been saved from the death penalty. But Davis was granted only a temporary reprieve as the Supreme Court considered the decision.
[Updated at 11:16 p.m.] Troy Davis has been executed, a prison representative has said. The time of death was 11:08 p.m. ET.
