Gov. Henry Grants Stay to Death Row Inmate

News9.com

Oklahoma City - Gov. Brad Henry has granted a brief stay of execution for Donald L. Gilson, a death row inmate.

More on News9.com:

Parole Board Suggests Clemency for Child's Killer

Inmate to be Executed for 8-year-old's Death

Gilson was scheduled to die May 5 at the State Penitentiary in McAlester. As a result, the new execution date set is May 14.

The Governor granted the stay so he can review a clemency recommendation from the State Pardon and Parole Board. The board has asked Gov. Henry to commute the sentence to life in prison without parole.

"I take clemency recommendations very seriously and will give this case the thorough deliberation it deserves," said Gov. Henry.

During Gov. Henry's term in office, the State Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency for five death row inmates, but he has approved only two, commuting the sentences to life in prison without parole.