Sidney Cornwell - OH - 16 November 2010 Commuted

[mammastalkin]

Sidney is facing execution on Nov 16. The Gov and the BPP has denied clemency. My thoughts are with all those that are suffering because of this.

[lisainengland]

My thoughts and prayers for all involved

[mammastalkin]

"Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction officials say they have enough of the drug for the execution of Sidney Cornwell of Mahoning County, scheduled for Nov. 16. Beyond that, the supply is uncertain." The story is here.

[mammastalkin]

Gov Strickland has commuted the death sentence of Sidney Cornwell based on previously unknown medical reports.

"Because the trial jury and sentencing judge did not have information at the time of sentencing about Mr. Cornwell’s Klinefelter’s syndrome, I have concluded that it would be inappropriate to proceed with the death penalty in this case. There can be no doubt that Mr. Cornwell’s conduct still necessitates severe punishment. Accordingly, I have decided to commute his sentence to a term of life in prison without the possibility of parole.”

Full story is here.

[mammastalkin]

His sentence has been commuted. The thread is here.

[lisainengland]

Brilliant news

[DaveMoff]

Wonderful to hear this. Astonishing, however, that the information apparently only surfaced at the last moment. A great deal of stress (to put it mildly) and wasted time and money could have been prevented by a simple blood test. Perhaps another reason for improvements in prison medical care.

Mind, Mr. Cornwell's condition apparently was not known before he was imprisoned either. But as I have said before, if the state wishes to grant itself the power over life or death, the highest possible standard of certainty is a bare minimum. Obviously, in this case, that did not happen until shortly after it would have been too late.

[mammastalkin]

Strickland lost the election so he was politically safe to commute this sentence. I believe that is the reason he did it.

[Cloudy]

Great to hear that another person is saved from being executed. Is it just me thinking but do I see a (very) slight change coming?

[ankh]

I agree with you, Mamastalkin.
It's all about politics, unfortunately....

[DaveMoff]

An excellent point. Scary to think that part of the judicial system is governed by public opinion polls, but it is indeed true. All the more so in states which have capital punishment, since there's nothing to get a mob wound up like a bunch of rhetoric about "someone else" being hurt.

Remember that public executions used to draw crowds of thousands. And human nature, alas, hasn't changed.

[Kelleysgirl]

God was with him...great news and I know that he is thanking GOD

[Englishhope]

It is fantastic news,

Prayers have been answered.

[Kay]

Awesome news indeed!!