Without reprieve, Utah man will face firing squad execution after 25 years on death row

Utah man hopes for 11th hour execution reprieve

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah inmate set to die by firing squad early Friday has asked the state’s governor to temporarily stay his execution.

In a letter hand-delivered to Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday, attorneys for Ronnie Lee Gardner say the state parole board’s commutation hearing was tainted. They want Gardner’s life temporarily spared and the board reconvened.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole denied Gardner’s request to have his death sentenced reduced to life in prison Monday after a two-day hearing last week.

Governor’s spokeswoman Angie Welling says the request for a stay is under review.

Gardner’s attorneys filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging his clemency hearing was biased because of a conflict of interest in the Utah attorney general’s office, but a federal judge wouldn’t grant a stay.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah inmate set to die by firing squad early Friday has asked the state’s governor to temporarily stay his execution.

In a letter hand-delivered to Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday, attorneys for Ronnie Lee Gardner say the state parole board’s commutation hearing was tainted. They want Gardner’s life temporarily spared and the board reconvened.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole denied Gardner’s request to have his death sentenced reduced to life in prison Monday after a two-day hearing last week.

Governor’s spokeswoman Angle Welling says the request for a stay is under review.

Gardner’s attorneys filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging his clemency hearing was biased because of a conflict of interest in the Utah attorney general’s office, but a federal judge wouldn’t grant a stay.