Georgia Execution Halted

A T L A N T A, Aug. 22 -- The Georgia Supreme Court today halted theexecution of Alexander Williams while it considers whether death byelectrocution constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Williams, scheduled to die in Georgia’s electric chair Thursdaynight, was 17 when he kidnapped 16-year-old Aleta Bunch from amall, raped her, robbed her and shot her to death in Augusta in1986.

Constitutional QuestionThe Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality ofexecution by electrocution in a separate case. Although today’sterse order gave no reason for the stay, two of the five justiceswho voted to grant the stay cited the constitutional question as areason for their votes. Earlier in the day, Williams’ attorneys had asked the stateBoard of Pardons and Paroles to halt the execution on grounds thatWilliams — who has admitted to the crime — is mentally ill and hisoriginal lawyer was incompetent.

“We have given the board six separate and independent reasonswhich we believe supports our position,” attorney Harold T. Danielsaid after the hearing, which was closed to the media. “The mostimportant reason Alexander Williams should not be executed is thatthe crime of which he was convicted occurred when he was a minor.”

Other Hearing On HoldThe board planned another hearing Wednesday to allowprosecutors, and possibly the victim’s family, to have their say.That hearing may now be put on hold because of the Supreme Court’sstay.

Supporters ranging from mental health advocates to religiousleaders and former first lady Rosalynn Carter have sent letters tothe board supporting Williams.

Williams, now 32, would have been the first person executed inGeorgia in 2½ years and the 24th since the Supreme Court allowedstates to resume executions in 1976. The pardons board has commutedthe death sentences of six people in that time.