Troy Davis supporters press DA to reopen his case

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Supporters of death-row inmate Troy Davis are calling for Chatham County’s new district attorney to reopen the case against the convicted cop killer.

The Savannah NAACP chapter held a news conference Thursday asking District Attorney Larry Chisolm to reconsider Davis’ claims of innocence in the 1989 slaying of police officer Mark MacPhail.

The group’s local vice president, Richard Shinhoster, said Chisolm should give a “microscopic examination” to statements by witnesses who have recanted their trial testimony against Davis.

Chisolm, who took office in January, isn’t commenting on the case while the U.S. Supreme Court considers Davis’ latest appeal. His spokeswoman, Lydia Sermons, said Chisolm isn’t sure he has the legal authority to stop an execution.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.