Ga. death penalty case likely on hold until fall after US Supreme Court recesses for summer

High court puts Georgia death penalty case on hold

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The U.S. Supreme Court has recessed for the summer without taking action on the appeal of a Georgia death row inmate whose case has drawn worldwide attention, likely delaying any developments until the fall.

Troy Davis, of Savannah, was convicted in 1991 of killing a police officer. Supporters say he deserves a new trial after several witnesses took back their testimony.

Defense lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court after a federal court denied a new trial request in April. The Supreme Court reconvenes in September.

Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm says he won’t comment on Davis’ case until all appeals are exhausted. It would be up to Chisolm to request an execution date.

Davis’ supporters include President Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI.