State attorneys argue against stay of Utah death row inmate’s June firing squad execution
By APThursday, May 6, 2010
Utah argues against stay in firing squad execution
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah state attorneys say a condemned inmate cannot seek a stay of a warrant ordering his execution by firing squad next month.
In a court filing Thursday, Assistant Utah Attorney General Tom Brunker says state law only lets Ronnie Lee Gardner appeal his death sentence — not the order that carries out the punishment.
The 49-year-old Gardner was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to die in 1985.
Last month, after determining state and federal appeals were exhausted, a state judge set execution for June 18.
Gardner’s attorneys have sought a stay pending a Utah Supreme Court appeal.
Gardner chose to die by firing squad, an option only available to death row inmates convicted before 2004.
