[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----ALABAMA

[Rick Halperin]

Feb. 12



ALABAMA----impending execution

11th Circuit clears way for Tommy Arthur execution on Feb. 19



A federal appeals court is clearing the way for the execution of an Alabama 
inmate next week.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday lifted a stay of execution 
for death row inmate Tommy Arthur. The decision came at the request of the 
state.

The court says Arthur's execution can go ahead on Feb. 19.

The court says Arthur can file additional challenges, but his attorneys need to 
do so quickly.

Arthur contends Alabama's lethal injection method is unconstitutional. His 
lawyers say Alabama uses the same chemicals that led to botched executions in 
other states.

Arthur has been on death row since 1983 for the contract killing of Muscle 
Shoals businessman Troy Wicker in 1982. He's successfully fought off multiple 
execution dates and says he is innocent.

(source: Associated Press)

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Tommy Arthur, convicted in 1982 Muscle Shoals murder, now set for execution 
Feb. 19



Tommy Arthur, whose execution in Alabama has been delayed several times in 
recent years, is once again set to die by lethal injection. The new date is 
February 19, 2015 at Holman Prison in Atmore. He is 1 of Alabama's 
longest-serving death row inmates.

On Thursday, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals lifted its stay on Arthur's 
execution, paving the way for the state to put him to death.

However, the court indicated Arthur still has the avenue of seeking an 
injunction or restraining order through federal district court.

Arthur called WHNT News 19 collect on Thursday morning to inform us of this 
development in the case.

Arthur was convicted of killing Muscle Shoals businessman Troy Wicker in 1982, 
in a murder-for-hire case.

He's been on death row since 1983, with his execution being delayed at least 5 
times.

The latest delay had to do with Arthur's appeal of drugs used to execute 
inmates. His attorneys argue it could be cruel and unusual punishment. This is 
one of a number of appeals in different states over the new drug combinations 
used in lethal injections.

(source: WHNT news)