(CNN) The US Supreme Court on Thursday night issued a temporary stay in the execution of Alabama inmate Tommy Arthur. The court issued the temporary stay, signed by Justice Clarence Thomas, not long before the time of execution. Arthur's lawyers had also filed motions arguing that Alabama's method of execution was cruel and unusual and that the lawyers should have access to a cellphone while witnessing the execution. Alabama Department of Corrections spokesperson Bob Horton told CNN, "The Alabama Department of Corrections will wait on the US Supreme Court to render a decision on Arthur's appeal. The state has until midnight to carry out the execution."

Source: CNN May 25, 2017 23:50 UTC