A Savannah man convicted of the 1989 killing a local police officer will not be put to death on Tuesday as originally planned. The Georgia Pardons and Paroles Board granted a 90 day stay for Troy Anthony Davis Monday night after hearing from several witnesses who have recanted their stories since the trial. During Monday’s clemency hearing, the board also heard from the victim--Mark MacPhail's family members and others who wanted the board to uphold the death penalty.
A day before a convicted cop killer is set to die - an 11th hour stay in execution. The 38 year old was convicted of murdering Officer Mark MacPhail in 1989.
MacPhail was trying to break up a fight when he was gunned down in a Savannah bus station parking lot.
The Board of Pardons and Paroles had three options - grant clemency, deny clemency, or a stay in Davis' execution. Unanimously, they picked the third option - 90 days to review the case.
It’s the news Martina Correia was praying for. “My brother isn't going to die tomorrow,” she told NEWS 3 Monday night. Troy Davis is her brother.
The hearing in front of the board- lasted longer than usual. Martina and other family members spent more than six hours - arguing for clemency. They have never wavered in their belief that Davis is innocent.
The decision was not good news for the family of the fallen officer, Mark MacPhail.
"I believe police found the right man, and they did their job correctly," said Mark MacPhail, Jr. Officer MacPhail's son was barely two months old - when his father’s life was ripped away.

"Every day you're reminded of him and the pain never seems to go away," he said.
The son also went before the board - telling them what it was like - to not know his dad: “Picture every Father's Day and having no one to give anything to. And, going to the park, and seeing a father and son play catch, and knowing you'll never have those memories."

The stay means the execution will be delayed while the board weighs witness testimony and new evidence. The board must rule by October 14.  38-year-old Davis was convicted of murdering Officer Mark MacPhail in 1989.