Georgia court delays execution

JACKSON, Ga. -- The state Supreme Court delayed an execution 45 minutes before the inmate was scheduled to die Wednesday to consider his claim he was denied clemency.

The court said it wanted more time to consider condemned killer Wallace Fugate's claim that the state Pardons and Paroles Board had a conflict of interest when it denied his appeal for mercy.

It was the second stay of execution for Fugate, who got a reprieve two hours before his scheduled death June 18.

Corrections officials said Fugate had eaten what was to be his last meal and said goodbye to his parents and a sister.

Fugate's attorney said the state board had challenged an earlier appeal by Fugate.