Georgia carries out first execution of the year for 1992 stabbing

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles, only authority in Georgia with the power to commute a death sentence, declined to spare Ledford's life.

The US state of Georgia has carried out its first execution of the year, putting to death a man convicted of killing a 73-year-old neighbour in 1992.

JW Ledford Jr, 45, was pronounced dead at the state prison in Jackson, more than six hours after his initial execution time. The delay came as he waited for a ruling from the US Supreme Court, which denied his request for a stay.