NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE) -- Tennessee is preparing for its first execution of the year. The state plans to execute death row inmate Donnie Johnson May 16.
Johnson was convicted in 1985 of murdering his wife, Connie Johnson, the year before.
The 68-year-old inmate has appealed his sentence to Gov. Bill Lee. That appeal is based largely on Johnson's Christian conversion.
Step-daughter Cynthia Vaughn has reportedly joined others in asking the governor to spare Johnson’s life.
The state says it plans to conduct 6 executions this year.
Tennessee executed four inmates last year. The most recent was David Earl Miller who died by lethal injection December 6.