Gov. Temporarily Halts Killer's Execution
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – Next month's execution of a convicted murderer has been temporarily put on hold by Gov. Rick Scott who wants a panel of psychiatrists to determine if he is insane.
Scott agreed to the temporary stay for the pending execution of John Errol Ferguson in order to let doctors decide whether or not he understands the death penalty and why he is about to be executed.
The governor in an executive order called for the examination to take place on Oct. 1. Scott says if Ferguson is competent he will proceed with the already-scheduled execution on Oct. 16.
Sixty-four-year-old Ferguson was convicted of murdering six people execution-style in a drug-related crime. Ferguson was also convicted for the murders of two Hialeah teenagers.
Ferguson's attorneys say that he has long exhibited symptoms of schizophrenia and has been plagued by hallucinations and delusions.
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