The planned execution of a Georgia death row inmate, scheduled for this week, has been abruptly suspended by the state's parole board. The last-minute decision throws the case into uncertainty and delays a crucial clemency hearing.
Execution Suspended Without Explanation
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles issued an order on Monday, 15 December 2025, putting the lethal injection of Stacey Humphreys on hold. The execution had been set for Wednesday at the state prison near Jackson. The order, signed by board chair Joyette Holmes, provided no reason for the suspension.
In a related move, the board announced that a clemency hearing for Humphreys, planned for Tuesday morning, was "postponed until further notice." During a court hearing, a lawyer for the board admitted she did not know how long the suspension would last. The current death warrant for Humphreys remains valid only until noon on 24 December.
Questions Over Board Impartiality
The suspension comes amid a legal challenge from Humphreys' defence team, who are seeking the recusal of two parole board members due to alleged conflicts of interest. The lawyers argue Humphreys has a right to have his clemency plea heard by a full, impartial five-member board.
One member, Kimberly McCoy, served as a victim advocate with the Cobb County district attorney's office during Humphreys' original trial and was assigned to the victims' families. The other, Wayne Bennett, was the sheriff in Glynn County, where the trial was moved. Defence lawyers contend he oversaw security for the sequestered jurors and for Humphreys himself.
During Monday's hearing, it was revealed McCoy had agreed to abstain from voting on clemency, though her precise role in discussions remained unclear. Bennett testified he did not believe his past connection to the trial would affect his judgement, delegating day-to-day security to his staff.
The 2003 Double Murder
Stacey Humphreys, now 52, was convicted of malice murder for the killings of two real estate agents in November 2003. Cyndi Williams, 33, and Lori Brown, 21, were working in a model home sales office in Powder Springs, a suburb northwest of Atlanta.
Evidence presented at trial showed Humphreys entered the office around midday on 3 November 2003. He forced the women to strip naked and provide their bank PINs before fatally shooting them. Court filings state he subsequently withdrew more than $3,000 from their accounts. Following his arrest, Humphreys told police he needed money for a truck payment after taking out high-interest payday loans.
The legal standoff now centres on the board's composition. State lawyers argued clemency requires a vote from a quorum of three members, not all five, and that the governor cannot appoint a temporary member. With the hearing postponed and the execution warrant expiring soon, the fate of Stacey Humphreys hangs in a precarious balance.
