A Virginia prisoner set to be executed was granted a temporary stay of execution, so that he could appeal through the federal courts, reports the Washington Post. What strikes me as odd is the grounds for appeal. (emphasis mine)

Lenz was sentenced to death for stabbing Brent H. Parker 68 times at the Augusta Correctional Center four years ago. Lawyers for Lenz argued at his July 2000 trial that he feared Parker and killed him in self-defense.