The oldest inmate on death row in the United States has finally been told the date of his execution following a 32 year wait.

Carl Wayne Buntion, 77, has been told he will die on 21 April as punishment for the brutal murder of a police officer back in 1990.

The offender, who had been on parole for just six weeks, shot and killed Texan police officer James Irby at a traffic stop in 1990.

Prior to this case, Buntion had an extensive criminal record consisting of 13 previous felony convictions.

According to Click2Houston, Buntion was travelling as a passenger in a car that was pulled over by the police.

While the driver was conversing with Officer Irby, Buntion exited the car and shot him three times.

He proceeded to shoot at the back-up before running away, where he was soon found in a nearby building.

He was swiftly arrested and convicted of capital murder – the states most serious offence – which carries the death penalty.

Officer Irby left behind a wife and two children, who were aged just three and one when their father was murdered.

Now, after 32 years, Buntion’s sentence will finally be carried out, as his death has been ordered by a Houston state judge.

District Attorney, Kim Ogg, said: “He shot a policeman in the head more than 30 years ago, and it is time that he be held accountable for his horrific crime.

“He robbed Officer Irby of his life and deprived the Irby family of a lifetime of memories with him; it is time for them to have justice.”