Man seeks clemency to avoid what could be Georgia’s first execution in more than 4 years

Published March 18, 2024 3:20 PM

By JEFF MARTIN
Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — Lawyers for a Georgia man who’s set to be executed this week say he should not be put to death because he is is intellectually disabled and feels remorse for killing his former girlfriend three decades ago. Fifty-nine-year-old Willie James Pye is set to be put to death Wednesday. It would be Georgia’s first execution in more than four years. A clemency hearing is set for Tuesday. Pye was convicted of murder and other crimes in the November 1993 killing of Alicia Lynn Yarbrough. Pye’s lawyers also cited severe problems in the Spalding County justice system in the 1990s.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.