The Georgia Supreme Court halted the execution of convicted killer Ronald Keith Spivey today, just four hours before he was to die in the electric chair. Justice Leah J. Sears wrote in the majority opinion. The stay came from the court around three p-m. Spivey, convicted of killing a Columbus police officer in 1976, was scheduled to die at seven p-m. Later in the afternoon, Attorney General Thurbert Baker and the local prosecutor asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision and dissolve the stay.
Some legislators say the stay was a sign that the court has grown too liberal.
Others defended the decision. Spivey, who has been on death row for 24 years for the murder of Columbus police officer Bill Watson, was moved yesterday to the medical section of the state prison at Jackson. He was allowed extended visits with relatives and friends. All rights reserved. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement .