It was back in the summer 2004 when Nathaniel Woods’s life changed direction. According to police, Woods and another man named Kerry Spencer were dealing drugs, so Birmingham, Alabama ficers went to an apartment complex to make an arrest. Three ficers on the scene were in the middle taking Woods into custody . The three ficers were killed and another was wounded.

The following year, Woods and Spencer were both convicted capital murder (among other charges) and sentenced to death. Spencer has made it clear that Woods shouldn’t take the blame for crimes that he confessed he acted on alone. “Nathaniel Woods is 100% innocent,” Spencer penned in a letter shared with his lawyers. “I know this to be a fact because I’m the person that shot and killed all three the ficers.” He added, “I pray that my words don’t fall on blind eyes or deaf ears. Don’t allow another innocent man to be executed if you can do something to put a stop to it. This is my most fervent prayer.”

There has been a rally support for Woods over the years, especially on the celebrity circuit, Activists are claiming that there were many areas his case and trial that weren’t handled appropriately. Also, the jury’s decision wasn’t unanimous and during his appeal, his attorney reportedly left him.

Woods’ lawyers, along with a viral social media following, have petitioned Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to stay the execution and to commute Wood’s sentence. Ivey’s fice told CNN that they won’t speak on the matter until a decision has been revealed. 

Tens thousands people have signed online petitions, but this polarizing case has divided the masses. Check out a few reactions below.