U.S. Supreme Court halts Arthur execution

Arthur was set to die by lethal injection, today (Dec. 6) after being in prison 20 years for a murder he says he didn't commit. Some evidence in the case has not been tested for DNA, despite a likelihood that it will point questions about his guilt (or innocence) to rest. Gov. Bob Riley's office has not responded to the Innocence Project's requests for testing, and has refused to hold off on the execution until testing could be complete (it would take just a few weeks).

The Supreme Court stopped the execution (pdf) while they decide if they will hear Arthur's appeal. Previously, they denied his motion for DNA testing based on his failure to meet legal time lines for appeals.

Arthur's daughter, his attorneys, the Innocence Project and Amnesty International have all requested a meeting with the Governor to discuss the case, but he's not agreed to meet with any of them.