Claiming innocence, Alabama death row inmate seeks new trial
By KIM CHANDLER
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Attorneys for an Alabama death row inmate are asking the Alabama Supreme Court to grant him a new trial. The request has gained support from former prosecutors, judges and even a former state attorney general. Toforest Johnson was convicted and sentenced to die for the 1995 murder of Jefferson County Deputy William Hardy. The key witness was paid $5,000 for testifying that she heard a man she thought was Johnson admit the crime while she eavesdropped on a phone call. Former state Attorney General Bill Baxley said he’s dumfounded the case ever reached a jury.