Governor Henry Grants Temporary Stay Of Execution

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Brad Henry has granted a temporary stay of execution to an Oklahoma death row inmate sentenced to die for a 1986 killing. 

Henry issued the stay Friday after the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended the governor commute the death sentence of Richard Tandy Smith to life in prison without parole. 

Smith was scheduled to die April 8 for the 1986 drug-related shooting death of John Cedurland, but under Henry's order, the date has been pushed to May 4. 

The governor says he granted the stay to give him ample time to review the case and meet with attorneys for both sides. 

Of the six death row inmates recommended for clemency during Henry's term in office, he has commuted two death sentences to life in prison without parole.