Possibly Innocent Man Sentenced to Death, Needs Help From NAACP
December 31, 1969In 1991, Troy was convicted in the murder of off-duty police
officer Mark MacPhail largely on the basis of contradictory
eyewitness testimony — no physical evidence links him to the crime.
Since his trial, seven of nine eyewitnesses have recanted their
original statements, yet federal law prevents these new eyewitness
statements from being heard.
Troy’s execution had been scheduled for September 23rd, 2008. On
September 12, 2008 he was denied clemency by the Georgia Board of
Pardons and Paroles. Two hours before he was to be killed he
received stay from the U.S. Supreme Court pending its decision as
to whether it would hear his appeal. On October 14, 2008, the
Court denied his request for relief so that his evidence of
innocence could be heard in a legal proceeding. Just one day
later, Troy Davis' execution was set for October 27 at 7pm
EST. On October 24, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued
a stay pending further examination and possible acceptance of a new
appeal. On April 16, by a 2-1 vote the 11th Circuit Court of
Appeals denied Troy’s appeal but issued a 30 stay to allow time for
an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The stay has now
expired.
Please sign the letter below to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue asking him to reduce Davis’ sentence.
