Philadelphia rap legend Cool C was granted a stay of execution after being scheduled for execution today (Jan. 8). In 1996, Cool C was convicted of first degree murder for the shooting death of Lauretha Vaird – a Philadelphia police officer who attempted to end a robbery attempt by C and an accomplice. During a subsequent hearing, the rapper was sentenced to death.

Since serving the last 18 years in prison, Cool C was provided a death date via lethal injection. Originally sentenced to die on March 9, 2006, Pennsylvania’s governor granted a delay of the execution.

Today, despite the signature on his death warrant by Governor Tom Corbett, a local judge has once again delayed Cool C’s execution.