(ORDER LIST: 519 U.S.)
(ORDER LIST: 519 U.S.)


                            MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1996
                            MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1996


                                CERTIORARI DENIED
                                CERTIORARI DENIED


96-6951        HOKE, RONALD LEE, SR., V. NETHERLAND, WARDEN
(A-428)

               The application for stay of execution of sentence of death

          presented to the Chief Justice and by him referred to the Court is

          denied. The petition for a writ of certiorari is denied.  

               Justice Stevens and Justice Ginsburg would grant the

          application for stay of execution.