Samuel David Crowe

Death row inmate Samual David Crow was spared his life just two hours before his scheduled execution via lethal injection. Georgia's Board of Pardons and Paroles commuted his death sentence but did not explain the decision.

Crow was convicted of killing Joseph V. Pala, a lumber company retail manager in 1988. He confessed to the crime.

Crowe robbed the lumber store after shooting Pala in the chest. Pala was shot at two more time by Crowe as he was trying to run for his life. Crowe then beat him with a paint can, and poured paint over his face. Thinking he may still be alive, he proceeded to beat him over the head with a crowbar. He fled the scene with $1,160.

Police discovered the murder weapon, a paint can, the victims keys and other items tying him to the crime in the vehicle belonging to Crowe's wife. Crowe later confessed.

• "He was really shocked and relieved but very somber about it. He takes very seriously the deep harm that he caused when he committed this crime" - Ann Fort Defense Atty

Crowe's attorney says he had a cocaine addiction that he overcame in prison. Additionally, he has spent his time in prison helping inmates learn to read and wrote letters to people outside of prison who struggle with drug habits.

• "He didn't want them to go down the path he did." Ann Forte

The family of the victim were devastated by the decision and were reportedly to upset to speak to the parole board. A representative had to speak on their behalf to the board.

• Google Blog Search: Samuel David Crowe

• SCOTUSblog: Georgia Inmate Spared (May 22, 2008)

• Crime_watcher: Parole Board Grants Clemency to Samuel David Crowe (May 22, 2008)

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