State Representative Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) has sent a letter to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey requesting a stay of execution for convicted murderer Joe Nathan James Jr.
At this time, he is set for execution on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
“The daughters of the victim, Faith Hall, have reached out to me asking for a stay of the execution for Mr. James,” Rep. Givan wrote. “The family has stated publicly and privately that they do not wish for Joe Nathan James to be executed. They have with deep prayer, consideration, and conviction, are asking for mercy by sparing the life of Mr. James. Instead, they are asking that he continue to serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.”
James was convicted of killing his one-time girlfriend, Faith Hall. Hall’s family has been vocal about opposing his execution for the 1994 crime. James will turn 50 just three days prior to his pending death by lethal injection.
Gov. Ivey has been staunchly pro-death penalty in her tenure as governor.
A federal appeals court recently denied James’ request for a stay of execution.
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Alabama currently has 170 inmates, including James, on death row. Five of those awaiting execution are women.
The first person executed by the state of Alabama was Eli Norman in 1812. Between 1812 and 1976 the state executed 708 people. After the state resumed executions in 1983, the state of Alabama has executed 69 persons. From 1812 to 1927 the method of execution was hanging. In 1927 the state began executing people by using the electric chair. Lethal injection has been the preferred method of execution for the state since 2002, though the inmate has the option of requesting electrocution.
Efforts by State Rep. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) and others to pass a moratorium on executions in the state of Alabama have failed in the state legislature.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
