Florida Killer Wins Stay of Execution
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STARKE, Fla. — Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy on Friday blocked this week’s scheduled execution of Robert Anthony Preston for the 1978 murder and mutilation of a convenience store clerk.
Kennedy said in Washington that the stay will remain in effect until the court considers the issues raised in Preston’s appeal.
Preston, 31, was scheduled to die in the electric chair at the Florida State Prison on Tuesday under a death warrant signed by Gov. Bob Martinez.
He was convicted for the murder of Earline Walker, who disappeared after a $574 robbery at the Li’l General convenience store where she worked, according to court records. Her body was found in a field near the store.
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