Tuscaloosa Activists To Hold Vigil Thursday Opposing Execution Of Alabama Inmate

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Local grassroots activists Tuscaloosa Action, Grace Presbyterian Church and others will hold a vigil on Thursday as a show of opposition to the execution of convicted Alabama murderer Joe Nathan James later in the day.

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James was given the death penalty in 1999 for the killing of his former girlfriend, Faith Hall, after he broke into her home in Jefferson County. Hall's family has publicly lobbied Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to spare the man's life — a plea that has fallen on deaf ears in Montgomery.

His execution by lethal injection is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday.

“If Alabama executes Joe Nathan James on July 28, 2022 for the murder of Faith Hall, it cannot claim to be doing justice for her or her family," Tuscaloosa Action said ahead of the vigil. "Hall’s two daughters, Terrlyn and Toni Hall ... and her brother Helvetius Hall, oppose James’ execution and say Faith would oppose it, too.”

State Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa who has served as party chair, echoed the sentiment on social media ahead of the execution.

"The victim’s family forgave Joe Nathan James, Jr. and wants him to live," he said. "They chose mercy over vindication. However, the state of Alabama will murder him as planned. Vengeance is mine so says [Ivey] and the State of Alabama."

Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and others who opposed the death penalty.

Alabama last execution was in January, as the state put convicted Dallas County murderer Matt Reeves to death.

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