Tonight the Governor took a stand on the side of justice, issuing a temporary reprieve for Sedley Alley who was scheduled to be executed at 1:00 am tomorrow morning. There is considerable doubt as to the reliability of Alley’s conviction, and we are glad that the Governor did not allow a man to be put to death with these questions left unanswered.

We are warmed by this decision on behalf of Sedley Alley's children who will not have to face the traumatic loss of their father, but, at the same time, we continue to be saddened by the pain felt by the parents of Suzanne Collins and the way in which the death penalty system has impeded their opportunity to heal from the trauma of the loss they suffered. The death penalty remains a net drain on us economically, spiritually, and psychically.

Moreover, we are deeply disappointed that the Governor refused to take the logical and fair step of releasing the crucial physical evidence to the Innocence Project for DNA testing. The fact that Sedley Alley could still be executed with scientific evidence that could provide unquestionable proof of his innocence untested goes against every standard of decency and fairness in our society. When the state considers taking a life, the people of Tennessee deserve the absolute truth. We continue to call on the Governor to provide it.

Randy Tatel, Executive Director

Alex Wiesendanger, Associate Director