Judge to hear Pa. inmate’s execution stay request

A death-row inmate forgiven by the widow of his victim will have his request for a stay of execution heard by a Philadelphia judge.

Terrance Williams killed Amos Norwood with a tire iron in 1984 and Gov. Tom Corbett signed his execution warrant last month. A judge will hear Williams’ petition Monday.

In an affidavit signed in January, Norwood’s widow said she had forgiven Williams.

Williams’ attorneys say Norwood and others had sexually abused their client. Several jurors from Williams’ initial trial said they would have opted for a life sentence if the abuse issue had been raised at sentencing.

Prosecutors say Williams’ abuse claim didn’t arise until this year, after he lost several appeals.

Williams is also serving a 27-year sentence for killing another alleged abuser.