Stay of execution for death row inmate

MONTGOMERY – On July 10, 2025, the Marion County Circuit Court stayed the execution of David Lee Roberts, which had been scheduled for Aug. 21, 2025, pending completion of an evaluation to determine Roberts’ competency to be executed. The State of Alabama concurred with the need to conduct the evaluation pursuant to Section 15-16-23 of the Code of Alabama, provided that the competency evaluation is conducted on an expedited basis.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health is currently in the process of conducting that evaluation and preparing a written report for submission to the court; however, it will not be completed by Aug. 21. The department of corrections understands the state will not challenge the stay of execution until after the Marion County Circuit Court receives the written report of the competency evaluation. As a result, the department anticipates that the execution scheduled for Aug. 21 will not occur on that date. Accordingly, the department has halted all preparations for Roberts’ currently scheduled execution. Subject to the stay being lifted and all necessary approvals, the department stands ready to resume preparations for the execution.