The execution of a convicted killer in Missouri is on hold at least for several hours.
The state was scheduled to execute 41-year-old Allen Nicklasson at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday for killing businessman Richard Drummond in 1994.
An 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel granted a stay of execution on Monday, and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The high court told the attorney general's office late Tuesday that no ruling would be issued before 8 a.m. Wednesday.
The execution could be carried out at any time Wednesday, according to Missouri statute.
Drummond was fatally shot after stopping to help when a car carrying Nicklasson and two others stalled along Interstate 70 in central Missouri.
