Georgia executions put on hold

Executions in Georgia have been postponed while state officials examine the drugs used in carrying out death sentences.

Kelly Renee Gissendaner was set to die March 2 for her role in the Feb. 7, 1997, death of her husband, Douglas Gissendaner. Officials postponed the execution at the 11th hour after they determined the drug to be used appeared to be cloudy, according to published reports.

The execution of a second prisoner — Brian Keith Terrell — was also postponed. Terrell was set to be executed Tuesday for the 1992 murder of a Newton County man, according to the Newton Citizen.

“The sentencing courts will issue new execution orders when the Department is prepared to proceed,” the Georgia Department of Corrections said in a news release.