Convicted Killer Tries to Avoid Execution

A condemned killer who claims he was sexually abused by the man he beat to death is set for a clemency hearing before Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons.

Monday, Sep 17, 2012 | Updated 6:59 AM EDT

Convicted Killer Tries to Avoid Execution

A condemned killer who claims he was sexually abused by the man he beat to death is set for a clemency hearing before Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons.

Terrance "Terry" Williams is scheduled to be executed next month for killing a Philadelphia man in 1984. He says he fatally beat Amos Norwood with a tire iron following years of sexual abuse.

Monday's hearing in Harrisburg isn't the only legal avenue Williams is pursuing to avoid execution. A judge has granted a new evidence hearing after an accomplice claimed he knew Williams was abused but authorities with whom he had a plea agreement told him to focus on a robbery motive instead.

The pardons board must unanimously vote in the defendant's favor to recommend the governor grant clemency.