Judge to hear bid to pause Georgia execution
A federal judge in Atlanta will hear arguments Tuesday on a lawsuit by death‑row inmate Stacey Humphreys seeking to block his Dec. 17 execution under a COVID‑era agreement that set conditions for resuming executions in Georgia. Humphreys argues the pact’s requirements—normal prison visitation, vaccines available to all, and notice periods—remain unmet, while the state says he is not covered because his 11th Circuit rehearing denial came after the pandemic judicial emergency ended; a judge earlier ruled the vaccine condition is unmet and that appeal is pending before the Georgia Supreme Court.
📌 Key Facts
- Stacey Humphreys, 52, is scheduled for execution on Dec. 17 for two 2003 Cobb County murders.
- The Georgia AG’s office and defense counsel entered a COVID‑era execution agreement; the Georgia Supreme Court has affirmed it is a binding contract.
- Defense says visitation remains restricted and infants under 6 months lack vaccine eligibility; a judge already found the vaccine condition unmet, with the state’s appeal pending.
📊 Relevant Data
As of 2023, Georgia's death row population totals 36 inmates, with 17 Black (47%), 16 White (44%), and 3 Latino (8%).
Racial Demographics - Death Penalty Information Center — Death Penalty Information Center
In 2023, Georgia's population was 50.1% non-Hispanic White, 32.6% Black, 4.4% Asian American, and 9.9% Hispanic.
Demographics of Georgia (U.S. state) - Wikipedia — Wikipedia
In Georgia, defendants convicted of killing White victims are 17 times more likely to be executed than those convicted of killing Black victims.
Study Finds Staggering Race-of-Victim Disparities in Georgia Executions and that the Death-Penalty Appeals Process Makes Them Worse — Death Penalty Information Center
Nationally, in 2023, the homicide rate for Black Americans was 50 per 100,000 Black residents, more than six times higher than the White rate of 8 per 100,000.
Violent Victimization is Decreasing—But Not for Everyone — Council on Criminal Justice
As of 2024, prison visitation in Georgia remains affected by COVID-19 measures, with all prison tours suspended and some restrictions on offender visits still in place.
COVID-19 Response - Georgia Department of Corrections — Georgia Department of Corrections