Execution Date Set for Troy Davis

For the fourth time in as many years, Troy Anthony Davis, the man convicted of killing Savannah Police Officer Mark McPhail in 1989, is set to be executed.

Defense attorney Brian Kammer said a judge signed an order setting an execution for Davis between September 21 and September 28.

Davis claims he wasn't the one who killed off-duty Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. But a federal judge rejected his claim, and the U.S. Supreme Court turned down another appeal in March.

The case has dragged on for years, and both families have been through a range of emotions.

Mark MacPhail's wife Joan, who now lives in Texas, told News 3 they've been patiently waiting for this to get some closure, but it will never bring her husband back to their daughter and son.

"If she has children, if my son has children, he will not be able to revel in all that because he's not here. So those things are still kind of like a black eye for us," she said.

As for execution day, Joan MacPhail predicts that her family will also have to defend themselves against those who support Davis.

"I think it'll be a 3-ring circus, to be honest with you. It always has been, and there will be a lot of chaos and protesting and people who don't understand the whole case. We'll be almost the people on trial for that matter," she said.

Mark MacPhail, Jr., said by phone Tuesday night, "We've been expecting this but didn't know exactly when it would come. We are cautiously optimistic the execution will proceed."

Troy Davis' family issued a statement, saying "We've been to this crossroads before but we still believe in his innocence and will continue the fight."

The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has already stayed Davis' execution once in 2007.

Amnesty International is urging the board to grant clemency again, because they believe there is still doubt about Davis' guilt.  The group plans to ask supporters to send letters and petitions to the board.

Davis has become a focal point for the international anti-death penalty movement, attracting high-profile figures like former President Jimmy Carter.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.