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Ohio News Network
State Set For Historic Clemency Hearing October 09, 2005 COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Parole Board is scheduled to hold a second clemency hearing this week for a condemned inmate for the first time since the state resumed executions in 1999. John Spirko, 59, said he is innocent of the 1982 stabbing death of Betty Jane Mottinger, 48, who was in charge of the post office in the tiny town of Elgin. His second appeal to the board is scheduled for Wednesday morning. The board voted 6-3 against clemency in August. Spirko was scheduled to be executed Sept. 20 but Gov. Bob Taft ordered the execution delayed until Nov. 15 after reports that the state presented inaccurate information at his clemency hearing. The parole board called for a second hearing. The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported that Timothy Prichard, director of the attorney general's capital crimes office, made false statements and mischaracterized evidence regarding what Spirko said about Mottinger's slaying and his whereabouts on the day of the killing. "Based on the current record, Spirko believes he is entitled to a full pardon from the governor," defense attorneys said in their revised clemency application. "At the very least, Spirko submits there is far too much doubt to permit the state to carry out the death penalty here." Attorney General Jim Petro has said he thinks Spirko's execution should proceed.
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