Georgia: Court rejects Troy Davis' appeal

The federal appeals court in Atlanta on Thursday rejected death-row inmate Troy Anthony Davis' appeal to get a new trial on claims he is innocent.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Davis' bid in a 2-1 decision, saying he could not file a new appeal raising claims of innocence. But the court continued his stay of execution for 30 more days so Davis can pursue his final appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Davis sits on death row for the 1989 killing of Savannah police Officer Mark MacPhail. MacPhail was working off-duty when he was gunned down in a Burger King parking lot.

The 27-year-old former Army Ranger and father of 2 was unable to draw his weapon. He was shot 3 times.

Since the 1991 capital trial, 7 of 9 witnesses who testified against Davis have recanted their testimony.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 17, 2009

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