Death Penalty

Davis’s Last Words: ‘I Am Innocent’

Executed after Supreme Court denies stay.

After a three-and-a-half-hour delay, the state of Georgia executed Troy Davis Wednesday night, pronouncing him dead at 11:08 p.m. Davis had survived the day of his execution three times before when courts issued stays, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene this time, announcing its denial of a stay without explanation at about 10:20 p.m. Strapped to the gurney, Davis lifted his head and looked at Mark and William MacPhail, the son and brother of the police officer Davis was convicted of killing in 1989. “I am sorry for your loss,” Davis said. “I did not personally kill your son, father, and brother. I am innocent.” For those executing him, Davis said, "May God have mercy on your souls, may God bless your souls.” Davis then turned down an offer of a prayer. Fourteen minutes later he was dead.