The board decided Monday not to commute the death sentence for Osborne, who faces execution on Wednesday for two 1990 murders. The board issued its decision without comment.

Osborne's advocates can still appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

His lawyers argue his previous attorney deliberately put up a flimsy defense 18 years ago because he was "infected by racism." They also say he was not informed that a life sentence plea was on the table.

Political luminaries including President Carter and the ex-chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court urged the board to commute the sentence. Prosecutors, though, said he should face capital punishment for his crime.