The scheduled execution of a Georgia death row inmate has been dramatically suspended at the eleventh hour, just days after the convicted double murderer detailed his extravagant, calorie-laden final meal request.
Last-Minute Reprieve for Convicted Killer
Stacey Humphreys, 52, was due to receive a lethal injection on the evening of 17 December for the brutal 2003 murders of two real estate agents, Cyndi Williams, 33, and Lori Brown, 21. However, in a sudden move on Monday, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles issued an order suspending his execution indefinitely. The board provided no reason for the hold and did not indicate how long it might last.
The suspension follows a petition filed last week by Humphreys' legal team. They asked a judge to order two members of the parole board to recuse themselves from his clemency case, alleging conflicts of interest. The board also postponed a clemency hearing for Humphreys that was scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Legal Battle Over Board Member Conflicts
The defence attorneys' petition centres on board members Kimberly McCoy and Wayne Bennett. McCoy was a victim advocate with the Cobb County district attorney's office during Humphreys' original trial and was assigned to work with the victims' families. Bennett was the sheriff in Glynn County, where the trial was moved, and his office oversaw security for the jurors and for Humphreys himself.
During a Fulton County Superior Court hearing, Judge Robert McBurney questioned the board members. McCoy agreed to abstain from voting on clemency but the specifics of her participation remained unclear. Bennett testified he did not believe his past connection to the trial would affect his judgement.
Humphreys' lawyers argue he has a right to have his clemency plea heard by a full, conflict-free five-member board. State lawyer Tina Piper countered that only a quorum of three members is required for a vote and that the state constitution prevents appointing a temporary sixth member.
A Final Feast Requested
The dramatic legal manoeuvring unfolded after state officials revealed Humphreys' detailed final meal request. The condemned man asked for a gluttonous spread featuring:
- Barbecue beef brisket and pork ribs
- A bacon double cheeseburger with French fries
- Buffalo wings and a meat lovers pan pizza
- Coleslaw, cornbread, and vanilla ice cream
- Two lemon-lime sodas to wash it down
Humphreys was found guilty in September 2007 of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and kidnapping with bodily injury. The crimes occurred on 3 November 2003, while he was a convicted felon on parole. Evidence showed he forced the two women to strip naked and provide bank PINs before shooting them dead. He later withdrew over $3,000 from their accounts, telling police he needed money for payday loans and a truck payment.
His execution warrant remains valid until noon on 24 December. If the execution does not proceed by then, the state must seek a new warrant. The Georgia Department of Corrections has executed 77 individuals since 1976.
