South Carolina to Execute Man Despite Bombshell Admission From Key Witness

Introduction

Richard Moore, a South Carolina death row inmate, is scheduled to be executed on April 29, 2023, despite a bombshell admission from a key witness that could exonerate him.

Moore was convicted in 1999 of the murder of James Mahoney, a convenience store clerk. The key witness against Moore was Johnny Sellers, who testified that he saw Moore shoot Mahoney during a robbery.

Sellers' Admission

In 2021, Sellers recanted his testimony, admitting that he lied at Moore's trial because he was pressured by police.

Sellers said that he was high on drugs and alcohol at the time of the murder and that he did not see who shot Mahoney.

Moore's Attorneys

Moore's attorneys are asking the South Carolina Supreme Court to stay his execution and grant him a new trial based on Sellers' admission.

They argue that Sellers' recantation is credible and that it raises serious doubts about Moore's guilt.

The State's Response

The state is opposing Moore's request for a stay of execution.

The state argues that Sellers' recantation is not credible and that there is still sufficient evidence to support Moore's conviction.

The Execution Date

Moore's execution is scheduled for April 29, 2023.

If the South Carolina Supreme Court does not grant a stay of execution, Moore will be the first person executed in South Carolina since 2011.

Conclusion

The case of Richard Moore is a reminder of the importance of due process in our criminal justice system.

Moore is scheduled to be executed despite the fact that a key witness against him has admitted that he lied at his trial.

Moore's attorneys are asking the South Carolina Supreme Court to stay his execution and grant him a new trial, but the state is opposing their request.

The outcome of Moore's case will have implications for the future of capital punishment in South Carolina.