DAVID GREENE, Host:
This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm David Greene.
STEVE INSKEEP, Host:
Troy Davis was executed last night. The state of Georgia put him to death two decades after he was convicted of killing a police officer in Savannah.
GREENE: His execution came amid protests around the world doubting his guilt. Davis's lawyer said seven of nine key witnesses recanted or changed their testimonies. But the state of Georgia and various courts turned aside last-minute legal attempts to stop the execution. His lawyers asked for clemency from the Georgia State Parole Board and requested a polygraph test. Both were denied.
INSKEEP: Finally, Davis appealed yesterday to the U.S. Supreme Court, which rejected his request for a stay of execution. The victim's family yesterday said justice has been served. According to reporters who were present, Davis used his last words to tell them that he was innocent and to wish mercy on those who put him to death. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.