ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Georgia’s parole board on Monday temporarily halted the execution of Stacey Humphreys, originally scheduled for Wednesday, though the duration of the suspension remains uncertain. The order, signed by State Board of Pardons and Paroles Chair Joyette Holmes, provided no explanation. A clemency hearing for Humphreys, set for Tuesday morning, was also postponed indefinitely.
Humphreys, 52, had been sentenced to death for the 2003 murders of 33-year-old Cyndi Williams and 21-year-old Lori Brown in Powder Springs. His attorneys last week petitioned a judge to require the recusal of two parole board members, citing conflicts of interest, and requested a 90-day halt on clemency proceedings to allow the governor to appoint replacements. During Monday’s hearing, the parole board indicated uncertainty about how long the execution suspension would last. The existing death warrant remains valid through noon on Dec. 24, after which a new warrant would be required if the execution is not carried out.
The conflicts cited involve board members Kimberly McCoy, a former victim advocate for the Cobb County district attorney at the time of Humphreys’ trial, and Wayne Bennett, the former Glynn County sheriff responsible for trial security. McCoy indicated she would abstain from voting on the clemency petition but might still be present and ask questions. Bennett testified that he did not believe his prior involvement would affect his judgment. Three board members must approve clemency for it to be granted; Humphreys’ attorneys argue he is entitled to a full five-member board without conflicts.
The state contended that clemency decisions require only a quorum of three and that temporary board replacements could not exceed the constitutional five-member limit. Humphreys’ lawyers asked the court to bar any execution until the judge resolves the recusal issue.
In 2003, Humphreys entered a model home sales office in Powder Springs, forced Williams and Brown to strip and provide their bank PINs, then fatally shot them. He later withdrew over $3,000 from their accounts, stating he needed money for payday loan payments.
