Alabama inmate's execution stayed to determine if he is competent enough to be put to death
Share this @internewscast.com

An Alabama judge has postponed the upcoming execution of a convicted killer as state officials assess his competency for the execution.

David Lee Roberts, 59, was set to be executed on Aug. 21 for the 1992 shooting death of Annetra Jones, but Marion County Circuit Judge Talmage Lee Carter issued a temporary stay until it is confirmed whether Roberts has a “rational understanding” of the implications.

“Or similarly put, the issue is whether the petitioner’s concept of reality is so impaired that he cannot grasp the execution’s meaning and purpose or the link between his crime and its punishment,” he wrote in the ruling.

Carter said the execution will remain on hold until the Alabama Department of Mental Health concludes its report on Roberts.

Alabama’s lethal injection chamber

Roberts was set to die by nitrogen gas, a controversial method Alabama began using last year. (AP)

Roberts murdered Jones in Marion County on April 22, 1992, while he was staying at a house her boyfriend lived in. 

Prosecutors said Roberts arrived at the home, packed his belongings, stole money and shot Jones three times in the head with a .22 caliber rifle while she was sleeping on the couch. He then poured flammable liquid on her body and the floor and set the house on fire.

Jurors convicted him of capital murder and voted 7-5 that he receive life in prison without parole. However, a judge overrode that recommendation and sentenced him to death. 

Alabama no longer allows judges to override jury sentences in capital cases.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrate launch of Food Security for Life initiative at City Colleges

Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Mark the Launch of the “Food Security for Life” Initiative at City Colleges

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon…
Florida teen accused of faking abduction, shooting himself and sparking Amber Alert

Florida Teen Allegedly Fabricates Abduction, Self-Inflicts Gunshot, and Triggers Amber Alert

A teenager in Florida faces accusations for allegedly making false claims about…
Arrest warrant issued for California doctor in Louisiana abortion pill case

California Doctor Faces Arrest Warrant in Louisiana Over Abortion Pill Case

Authorities in Louisiana have an arrest warrant out for a California doctor…
A Right Delayed Is a Right Denied: DOJ Suing LA County for Slow-Walking CCW Apps

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: DOJ Takes Legal Action Against LA County for Slow Processing of Concealed Carry Permit Applications

The Trump administration’s Justice Department is taking legal action against the Los…
Charlie Kirk’s Mission Lives On: Why We Must Carry the Torch

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: The Importance of Upholding His Vision

By Cliff Maloney My friend, mentor, and American visionary, Charlie Kirk, was…
Man in wheelchair killed in crash on Jacksonville's Southside, JSO says

Fatal Accident Involving Wheelchair-Bound Man on Jacksonville’s Southside, According to JSO

A man in a wheelchair was killed in a traffic crash on…
Trump gives Hamas 'three to four days' to accept plan or meet a 'a very sad end'

Trump Warns Hamas: You Have ‘Three to Four Days’ to Agree to Plan or Face Consequences

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump gave the Hamas terrorist organization a deadline…
2nd detainee dies after Dallas ICE facility shooting, family says

Family Reports Second Death Following Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility

*Video shows previous coverage of Dallas ICE facility shooting. DALLAS (AP) —…
Health insurance costs for 22 million in limbo as shutdown begins

22 Million Face Uncertainty Over Health Insurance Costs as Government Shutdown Starts

The first government shutdown since 2019 has begun, and Republican leaders say…
Eastwood Manor community in unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois is finally free of yellow water problem

Eastwood Manor Community in Unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois Resolves Yellow Water Issue

EASTWOOD MANOR, Ill. (WLS) — Residents in one north suburban community say…
UN delegates walk out as Netanyahu takes the stage

Israeli Envoy Criticizes ‘Planned Walkout’ Before Netanyahu’s Address, Addresses Holiday Scheduling Dispute

Israel’s lead diplomat at the United Nations criticized those who exited the…
Would SNAP, WIC be disrupted by a government shutdown?

Could a Government Shutdown Affect SNAP and WIC Programs?

(NEXSTAR) – In just a few hours, the U.S. government might face…