Georgia Judge Halts Execution for Abused Convict Under New Law

A Georgia judge halts execution to allow hearing for Stacey Humphreys under new survivor justice law. Explore the legal battle over his case.

Editorial Desk

September 16, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Atlanta, United States — A Georgia judge has paused an execution scheduled for Wednesday, granting a condemned man a hearing on whether his sentence should be reduced under a new state law that allows victims of abuse to have their sentences reconsidered.

Stacey Humphreys, 53, was set to receive a lethal injection for the 2003 murders of two real estate agents in an Atlanta suburb. However, Cobb County Superior Court Judge Tyler Browning issued a stay of execution late Tuesday to allow for a hearing under the Georgia Survivor Justice Act, which aims to help survivors of domestic or child abuse.

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Humphreys’ lawyer argued that his client’s crimes were influenced by severe childhood abuse and family violence. The state, however, contends the law was not intended for death row inmates and plans to appeal if the stay is upheld.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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