A stay of execution has been issued for Georgia death row inmate Stacey Ian Humphreys, delaying a sentence that had been scheduled to be carried out later this week. The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles issued an order Monday suspending Humphreys’ execution after receiving a clemency application on his behalf.
The suspension halts an execution window that had been set to begin at noon Tuesday, Dec. 17, and run through noon Dec. 24.
The parole board also postponed a specially called meeting that had been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16, announcing it would be rescheduled at a later date.
Humphreys was sentenced to death in 2007 following his conviction in Cobb County. His execution had been authorized earlier this month by a superior court order, but the parole board has sole authority under Georgia law to grant clemency or suspend an execution while reviewing an application.The parole board’s action does not commute the sentence but pauses the execution while the clemency request is considered.
Vigil delayed?
The development also affects a vigil planned for Wednesday night in Clarkesville to protest the execution. Vigil organizer Helen O’Brien told Now Habersham that the gathering will likely be delayed in light of the parole board’s decision.
No new execution date has been announced. Under Georgia law, the parole board can lift the suspension, commute the sentence, or allow the stay to remain in place pending further review.
