[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----OHIO

[Rick Halperin]

March 26





OHIO:

Ohio Gov. John Kasich commutes death sentence for killer set for execution in 2 
weeks


Ohio Gov. John Kasich granted clemency for a Toledo-area killer who was 2 weeks 
away from execution.

Kasich's decision Monday to spare William Montgomery's life comes 10 days after 
the Ohio Parole Board voted 6-4 to recommend mercy for him. The governor 
commuted Montgomery's sentence to life without parole.

The board's report showed the majority had too many questions over inconsistent 
witness statements that weren't disclosed to Montgomery when he was on trial 
and whether the jury made its decision on sound grounds.

Montgomery, 52, was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on April 11.

He has been in prison since 1986 and was sentenced to death for the murder of 
Deborah Ogle during a robbery. He was also convicted of murdering Cynthia 
Tincher, Ogle's roommate.

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates had asked the parole board to deny 
Montgomery's request for clemency.

(source: cleveland.com)