Strickland to wait for US 6th Circuit Ct of Appeals ruling before making decision on Biros postponement

Strickland to wait for US 6th Circuit Ct of Appeals ruling before making decision on Biros postponement

Alan Johnson has this article in the Columbus Dispatch, entitled "Board opposes granting killer clemency; Lethal injection set for Jan. 23 unless Strickland steps in." The Youngstown Vindicator has this article, entitled "Board upholds death for Biros."

Dispatch excerpt:
...The Ohio Parole Board voted unanimously yesterday against sparing the life of Ken Biros, 48. Although his execution has been put on hold by a federal judge, plans are proceeding for his Jan. 23 lethal injection in case another court clears the way.

Strickland, a Democrat who supports capital punishment, has indicated that he might order another delay in Biros’ case if the delay is lifted, and might also postpone the Feb. 13 execution of James Filiaggi of Lorain County. Strickland said he needs more time to comprehensively review the cases.

Under Ohio law, once the governor has a parole-board recommendation, he has unlimited power to grant clemency or a reprieve, or allow the execution to proceed.

Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey said the governor will review the board’s recommendation but does not plan to order a delay "at this time."

(More information on Kenneth Biros - whose January 23 execution date is presently stayed pending the outcome of an appeal by the Ohio attorney general to the US 6th Circuit Ct of Appeals - is here.)