As released by the Office of the Governor.

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today signed a temporary reprieve of execution for Hubert L. Michael, Jr., who was sentenced to death for the 1994 murder of 16-year-old Trista Eng.

Today’s signing of the temporary reprieve was necessary to allow the Department of Corrections to complete its acquisition of the injection agents required to carry out lethal injection as mandated by Pennsylvania law.

“I am committed to carrying out the sentence of the Court and giving Trista Eng and her family the justice they deserve,” said Gov. Corbett.

Despite the reprieve, Michael’s execution remains stayed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Once the drugs are procured, written notice will be sent from Corrections Secretary John Wetzel to Gov. Corbett. Absent a stay, Gov. Corbett shall then sign Michael’s fifth execution warrant setting a new date for execution. The new execution date is mandated by law to be within 60 days of the signing of the warrant.

Governor Tom Ridge signed Michael’s first execution warrant on July 31, 1996, Governor Ed Rendell signed Michael’s second execution warrant on April 5, 2004, and Gov. Corbett signed Michael’s third execution warrant on September 11, 2012. The three prior warrants were dissolved as a result of the issuance of stays pending Michael’s numerous appeals. The latest warrant was placed on hold pursuant to a stay issued by Third Circuit Appellate Chief Judge Theodore McKee on August 15.