Attorneys For Ga. Death Row Inmate Ask For Clemency
Hear the audio version of this story.
Attorneys for Georgia Death Row inmate Joshua Bishop have asked the state Board of Pardons and Paroles Wednesday to spare his life.
Defense lawyer Wilson DuBose said Bishop had an abusive mother, and had lived in 16 foster homes by the age of 15, when he was thrown out on the street. He said this troubled childhood led Bishop to beat a Milledgeville man named Leverette Morrison to death in 1994.
“He was a teenager when he did this,” DuBose said. “He was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he did this. We frankly think his culpability, as bad as it was, was not as great as Mr. Braxley’s.”
Mark Braxley was Bishop’s co-defendant in the case. He pleaded “guilty” and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Bishop stood trial, was found “guilty” and sentenced to death.
“We do think the disparity in sentencing is one of the major issues that should affect whether or not [Bishop] is granted clemency,” DuBose said.
Attorney General Sam Olens’ office, which prosecuted the case, had no further comment.
Bishop’s execution is set for 7 p.m. Thursday in Jackson, Georgia if the board does not step in.
9(MDAxODM0MDY4MDEyMTY4NDA3MzI3YjkzMw004))
Top Stories
