Mother's of Troy Davis And Mark MacPhail Speak Out

This comes after an appeal to the Supreme Court by defense lawyers.

A federal judge in Georgia will now determine if there is more evidence that was not presented at trial.

Davis is on death row for the 1989 murder of Savannah police officer and Columbus native Mark MacPhail.

Davis was convicted in 1991. Supporters say he deserves a new trial after several key trial witnesses recanted their testimony.

News Three spoke with MacPhail's mother who says her belief about her son's killer has not changed.

"There is no new evidence, they better pay attention to the evidence which is very conveniently being put under the rug. What about the bullets, what about the bloody shirt? Why did he run out of town that night? I mean those are just a few to mention," says Anneliese MacPhail.

Troy Davis' mother spoke out about today's news. She says " I'm glad that someone sees what we're talking about and wants to see justice because that's all we're asking for, justice and what's justice for Troy and the MacPhail family."

Former President Jimmy Carter has been among those who believe Davis should have another day in court.

The director of the Carter Center's Human Rights Program released a statement today saying
"We applaud the Supreme Court's decision to call for a new hearing in the murder conviction of Troy Anthony Davis. When the State executes someone, we should have confidence that he or she is guilty of the crime in question. We do not believe this is the case in the State of Georgia's case against Davis, and apparently the Supreme Court agrees. "

MacPhail's family is planning a rally downtown in Columbus on August 29th. The time is to be determined. They are holding the first rally in Savannah on August 19th which is the anniversary of MacPhail's death.

To view the court orders and Justice Stevens’ separate opinion can be downloaded here