Court hears latest Troy Davis appeal
December 9, 2008 at 3:52 pm by Joeff Davis in Events, News, Photography, The BlotterOn Monday night in downtown Atlanta, nearly 75 people gathered outside the U.S. Court of Appeals building to hold a candlelight vigil for death row inmate Troy Davis.
An 11th Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel met today to decide whether to hear his latest appeal. On three occasions, Davis received a last-minute stay of execution based on appeals that have raised the possibility of his innocence.
Davis was convicted and sentenced to death in 1991 for the murder of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark Allen MacPhail. Since Davis’ original trial, seven of nine witnesses whose testimony helped convict him have recanted.
In today’s hearing, both the defense and the state presented 30 minutes of oral arguments. According to Laura Moye of Amnesty International, the court’s ruling — which is expected in the coming weeks — could lead to a hearing during which the witnesses who recanted would be allowed to testify. However, if the court rules in favor of the state, Davis likely will get his fourth execution date.
The Rev. Tim McDonald, pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church, closed the vigil Monday night by leading the crowd in the song "This Little Light of Mine."
More photos from the vigil at our Sideshow blog.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
December 9th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Is anyone blogging on the arguments?
December 10th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
when you find out, can someone post the outcome of the trial. im doing a report on the injustice of the system of law, and this case may be turned into a prime example. Although, i do not wish for him to die, for i believe he is not necessarily innocent, but nor do i believe that he is guilty
December 11th, 2008 at 2:03 am
There was a vigil in Chattanooga, TN as well:
http://vimeo.com/2472351