Tennessee inmate’s execution put on hold due to COVID-19

Tennessee Supreme Court on Thursday indefinitely postponed execution of death row inmate Byron Black.

In a brief order issued on Thursday, court wrote that Black's execution is stayed pending a furr order by court “because of multiple issues caused by continuing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Black was convicted by a Nashville court of murdering his girlfriend Angela Clay and her daughters Latoya, 9, and Lakesha, 6, at ir home in 1988. Prosecutors said he shot three during a jealous r. Black was on work release at time for shooting and wounding Clay’s estranged husband.

Black was originally scheduled for execution on Oct. 8, and court h previously ordered a postponement until April 8, 2021.

Three or Tennessee inmates have also h ir executions put on hold because of virus.

Gov. Bill Lee last month granted a a reprieve from execution to Pervis Payne from Dec. 3 until April 9 “due to challenges and disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic.” Lee granted ar reprieve in July to Harold Nichols, and Tennessee Supreme Court issued an earlier reprieve to Oscar Smith.