A last minute stay of execution

A federal judge has issued a stay of execution in the case of a convicted killer.

64-year-old Walter Barton was scheduled to be executed tomorrow night in Bonne Terre. Barton was convicted of first degree murder for the 1991 killing of 81-year-old Gladys Kuehler. Gladys managed a mobile home park in the small town of Ozark, south of Springfield.

U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes issued the stay on Friday, saying he needs more time to review claims from Barton’s attorneys. Judge Wimes has given Barton a 30-day reprieve, in his seven-page order.

Meanwhile Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office is appealing the stay.

Unless the Circuit Court of Appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court lifts the stay, Barton will not be executed tomorrow as scheduled.