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Georgia Parole Board Halts Execution of Stacey Humphreys During Clemency Review

Unresolved questions about board conflicts, quorum rules leave the case in limbo as the death warrant expires Dec. 24.

Overview

  • The State Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday suspended Humphreys' scheduled execution and postponed a planned clemency hearing until further notice.
  • A federal judge's order permits the execution to occur only within a window that runs through noon on Dec. 24, after which a new warrant would be required.
  • During a court hearing, board member Kimberly McCoy agreed to abstain from voting, while member Wayne Bennett declined to recuse after testifying his prior role would not affect his decision.
  • Defense lawyers argue Humphreys is entitled to a five-member board free of conflicts, as the state contends a three-member quorum can decide clemency.
  • The clemency petition, delivered by Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty with more than 1,400 signatures, cites an initial 11–1 jury split for life without parole in the 2003 killings of Cyndi Williams and Lori Brown.