RALEIGH (AP) -- More than one-third of North Carolina adults now believe life in prison is the most appropriate punishment for first-degree murder as support for the death penalty wanes. That's according to a new poll.

Researchers at Elon University say the poll found that 58 percent of adults support the death penalty. But only 48 percent say it's always the most appropriate punishment for those convicted of first-degree murder. Another ten percent said the sentence depends on the circumstances.

About 38 percent of respondents said they believe life in prison is the most appropriate sentence for murderers.

The poll comes as North Carolina's top officials try to figure out how to break a legal stalemate that has placed an effective moratorium on the death penalty.