The Supreme Court, in a 6-2 decision has granted Georgia inmate Troy Davis’ request that his execution be delayed as he attempts to prove his innocence.

Troy Davis Justice John Paul Stevens on Monday ordered a federal judge to "receive testimony and make findings of fact as to whether evidence that could not have been obtained at trial clearly establishes petitioner's innocence."

Davis’ supporters in June delivered petitions bearing about 60,000 signatures to Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm, calling for a new trial. Upon the announcement, Chisolm issued the following statement: “The citizens of Chatham County should be clear in their understanding that this is not a new trial of the case before a jury. The hearing of this case before a federal judge affords Troy Davis the opportunity to have any evidence that supports his innocence claim that was found after the trial to be heard all at one time in court”.

Since Davis’ 1991 conviction, seven of the nine witnesses against him have recanted their testimony. No physical evidence was presented linking Davis to the killing of the policeman.