The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles commuted the death sentence of Samuel David Crowe to life without parole

The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles commuted the death sentence of Samuel David Crowe to life without parole. The decision from the five-member board was announced only about 2½ hours before Crowe was to be executed at 7 p.m. by lethal injection. It was only the 3rd time since 1995 that the Board has commuted a death sentence. Crowe, 47, had admitted killing, on March 2, 1988, Joseph V. Pala. In a 25-page filing, Crowe's attorney, Ann Fort, has asked the board to commute Crowe's death sentence and provided a box of testimonials from his supporters, including friends, pastors, an ex-teacher and even a former corrections officer. Crowe was not allowed to attend the hearing but expressed his remorse in a letter.