Georgia Plans To Seek New Execution Warrant

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Ray Jefferson Cromartie was convicted of malice murder and sentenced to die for the April 1994 slaying of Richard Slysz.

Lawyers for the state of Georgia have conceded that the order for an execution scheduled Wednesday is void.

Ray Jefferson Cromartie was scheduled to die Wednesday evening for the April 1994 slaying of Richard Slysz at a convenience store in Thomasville. But the state Supreme Court issued an order Wednesday morning to temporarily halt the execution.

The high court said it appeared the execution order was void because a trial court judge filed it while Cromartie still had an appeal pending with the Supreme Court. The court asked lawyers for the state and for Cromartie to file briefs on the issue by Monday.

Lawyers for the state said in a filing Wednesday that they concede the order is void so the briefs and delay aren't necessary. They asked the high court to quickly rule on an outstanding appeal as they plan to seek a new execution warrant immediately.