A U.S. judge temporarily halted the second of Arkansas' two planned executions late on Monday after the inmate's lawyers argued that the first execution was inhumane due to a flawed procedure. U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker in Little Rock, Arkansas, issued a one-line order staying the execution of Marcel Williams until 8:30 p.m. CDT (0130 GMT) or until she releases another order, whichever is later. Arkansas is attempting to become the first state to put two people to death on the same day since Texas in 2000. "Because Mr. Jones' execution appeared to be tortuous and inhumane, Mr. Williams moves for an immediate stay of his execution pending further review of the Jones execution in this court," defense attorney John Williams wrote. The 11th-hour stay for Williams came after the U.S. Supreme Court and the Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday denied a flurry of appeals by both men.

Source: The Star April 25, 2017 01:52 UTC