It’s been more than three years since Ohio last executed a convicted killer. Unfortunately, the state is poised to resume the barbaric practice next week despite serious questions over respect for constitutional protections and the basic fairness of how the state administers the capital punishment system itself.
Linda Collins: My husband supervised Ohio executions for 5 years. It changed his life
To be asked to carry out an execution as part of your job is an extraordinarily difficult experience. I know this because my husband of 44 years, Terry Collins, was placed in this position many times throughout his career, including as director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Each of the 33 executions he oversaw took a tremendous toll on him.
Gov. John Kasich should prevent Ohio executions from resuming
As two former Ohio attorneys general of different political parties, one who supports the death penalty in certain cases, and one who does not, we strongly believe that Ohio should not execute again until important safeguards are in place. Unless the governor or a court intervenes, Ohio is scheduled to resume executions on July 26, after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus.