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Alabama governor spares a death row inmate who was convicted of killing a sheriff's deputy, citing doubts over the evidence

Governor Kay Ivey said she had concerns there was 'not enough direct evidence' to execute Toforest Johnson, now serving life without parole. Johnson was convicted of the 1995 murder of Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff William Hardy, who was shot twice in the head. Attorney General Steve Marshall had urged her to 'respect the jury's decision'. Johnson insists he was across town at the time.

Jefferson County DA Danny Carr says the 'evidence in this case has unraveled over 20 years.'

Ivey insists her decision 'is not a determination of innocence'.

Johnson's lawyer Ty Alper vows to fight on 'until he is home with his family.'

MoreDaily Mail NewsConvicted killer who spent decades on death row evades execution after governor intervenes as questions swirl around the murderFox NewsAlabama governor commutes death sentence as doubts emerge about evidence in murder convictionNY PostAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey spares death row inmate: cites lack of evidenceAPAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey spares death row inmate, citing doubts about evidenceCBS NewsAlabama governor commutes death sentence of Toforest Johnson after doubts raised over his murder conviction
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