News
Death row inmates granted direct DNA testing through Ohio Supreme Court under new rule
Inmates already on death row may appeal a lower court’s decision rejecting access to DNA testing of evidence directly to the Ohio Supreme Court under a new rule adopted today. The move follows the Supreme Court’s 4-3 decision in December that struck down as unconstitutional part of a state law restricting such appeals in cases involving those already convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Join us at An Evening for Abolition
You’re invited to a very special open house in Yellow Springs on Saturday, May 6 from 5-6:30 pm. We hope to see you in Yellow Springs. Together, we will end executions in Ohio—and we need your help. We’re ready to make history. Are you?
Kasich delays 9 Ohio executions as court fight continues
Gov. John Kasich on Monday delayed nine executions as a court fight continues over the constitutionality of the state’s lethal injection process, including a contested sedative used in problematic executions in at least three states.
Latest use of sedative keeps death penalty debate alive
Once again, the effectiveness of midazolam has been questioned following executions in Ohio, Arizona and, just this week, Arkansas. That’s where condemned inmate Kenneth Williams lurched and convulsed 20 times during a lethal injection execution Thursday that began with midazolam.
US appeals court to reconsider Ohio lethal injection case
After blocking Ohio from using lethal injection drugs, a federal appeals court has agreed to review its ruling, this time including its entire bench of judges. A reversal could allow the state to execute three death row inmates as scheduled.
Oral Argument Scheduled for Kevin Keith June 6
Ohio’s Third District Court of Appeals will hear arguments in the case of Kevin Keith on Tuesday, June 6 beginning at 9 AM. The courthouse is located at 204 N Main St # 204 in Lima.
Federal appeals court panel deals another blow to Ohio’s execution method
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that a preliminary injunction issued in January by federal Magistrate Judge Michael Merz of Dayton should stand for the time being. The appeals court panel affirmed Merz’s finding that there is a “substantial risk of serious harm” in using midazolam, a sedative that is one of the three drugs the state endeavors to use in executions.
Kasich Sets New Execution Schedule In Response To Federal Court Order
Due to the current legal challenges facing Ohio’s lethal injection protocol, Governor Kasich has rescheduled all 2017 executions. The next execution is now scheduled to take place on May 10, 2017.