History of Capital Punishment in Ohio Capital punishment has been a part of Ohio’s justice system since early in the state’s history. From 1803, when Ohio became a state, until 1885, executions were carried out by public hanging in the county where the crime was committed. In 1885, the legislature enacted a law that required executions to be carried out at the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus - 28 convicted murderers were hanged at the penitentiary. . . . In 1897, the electric chair, considered to be a more technologically advanced and humane form of execution, replaced the gallows. From 1897 to 1963 there were 315 persons put to death in the electric chair including three women. . . . In 1972, the United States Supreme Court declared the death penalty to be unconstitutional. . . . In 1974, the Ohio General Assembly revised Ohio’s Death Penalty law, but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the new law in 1978. . . . After drafting a new law to reflect the strict criteria for the imposition of the death sentence, Ohio lawmakers enacted the current capital punishment statute, which took effect Oct. 19, 1981. . . . In 1993, a bill granting prisoners the option to choose between death by electrocution or lethal injection was passed. . . . . On February 19, 1999, inmate Wilford Berry, "The Volunteer", became the first inmate to be executed in Ohio since 1963, having waived all of his appeals - 8 others have "volunteered" since. . . . On November 15, 2001, the electric chair was eliminating as a form of execution. The only method of execution in Ohio is lethal injection. . . . On November 30, 2009, DRC became the first state in the country to adopt a one-drug protocol for lethal injections. The revised protocol also includes a back up method for intramuscular injection, should vascular access be problematic. . . .To date, Ohio has executed a total of 393 convicted murderers. http://www.drc.ohio.gov |
Death Penalty Information Center
The DPIC is a national non-profit organization serving the media and the public with analysis and information on issues concerning capital punishment. Ohio http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org Ohio’s Death Row Fr. Neil Kookoothe has developed a website that looks at the history, current situation, individuals on death row and how we can help. The site gives lots of detail on the current situation of death row in Ohio. http://www.ohiodeathrow.com Helen Prejean, CSJ This is the official website of Sister Prejean, who wrote “Dead Man Walking” about her experience being the spiritual advisor of a death row inmate. Today, she educates the public about the death penalty by lecturing, organizing and writing. As the founder of "Survive," a victim’s advocacy group in New Orleans, she continues to counsel not only inmates on death row, but the families of murder victims, as well. http://www.prejean.org Catholic Campaign to End the Death Penalty “Catholic teaching offers a unique perspective on crime and punishment. It begins with the recognition that the dignity of the human person applies to both victims and their families. It also acknowledges the God-given dignity of every human life, even those who do great harm.” http://www.ccedp.org Pax Christi USA Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating, and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence. http://www.paxchristiusa.org EXECUTION ALERT On May 1, 2017, Governor John R. Kasich issued a revised execution schedule in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to schedule a full-court review of an earlier decision. Because this review will not be complete before June 14, at the earliest, it is necessary for the state to reschedule all upcoming executions. |
The Ohio prison inmates listed below have been sentenced to death for convictions of aggravated murder and have execution dates. There are currently 138 males and one female on Ohio's death row.
Gary Otte - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on September 13, 2017 for the deaths of Robert Wasikowski and Sharon Kostura on February 12, 1992. Previously scheduled execution date: June 13, 2017, March 15, 2017.
Scheduled execution on September 13, 2017 for the deaths of Robert Wasikowski and Sharon Kostura on February 12, 1992. Previously scheduled execution date: June 13, 2017, March 15, 2017.
Raymond Tibbets - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on October 18, 2017 for the deaths of Judith Sue Crawford and Fred Hicks on November 6, 1997. Previously scheduled execution dates: July 26, 2017, February 15, 2017, February 19, 2016, March 12, 2015 and October 14, 2014.
Scheduled execution on October 18, 2017 for the deaths of Judith Sue Crawford and Fred Hicks on November 6, 1997. Previously scheduled execution dates: July 26, 2017, February 15, 2017, February 19, 2016, March 12, 2015 and October 14, 2014.
Alva Campbell Jr. - Franklin County
Scheduled execution on November 15, 2017 for the death of Charles Dials on April 2, 1997. Previously
scheduled execution dates: September 13, 2017 ,May 10, 2017, March 23, 2016 and July 15, 2015.
Scheduled execution on November 15, 2017 for the death of Charles Dials on April 2, 1997. Previously
scheduled execution dates: September 13, 2017 ,May 10, 2017, March 23, 2016 and July 15, 2015.
William Montgomery - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on January 3, 2018 for the deaths of Debra Ogle and Cynthia Tincher on March 8, 1986. Previously scheduled execution dates: October 18, 2017, June 13, 2017, August 15, 2016, September 17,2015 and August 6, 2014.
Scheduled execution on January 3, 2018 for the deaths of Debra Ogle and Cynthia Tincher on March 8, 1986. Previously scheduled execution dates: October 18, 2017, June 13, 2017, August 15, 2016, September 17,2015 and August 6, 2014.
Robert Van Hook - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on February 13, 2018 for the death of David Self on February 18, 1985. Previously
scheduled execution dates: November 15, 2017, July 26, 2017, October 19, 2016, November 17, 2015 and March 12, 2015.
Scheduled execution on February 13, 2018 for the death of David Self on February 18, 1985. Previously
scheduled execution dates: November 15, 2017, July 26, 2017, October 19, 2016, November 17, 2015 and March 12, 2015.
Warren K. Henness - Franklin County
Scheduled execution on March 14, 2018 for the death of Richard Myers on March 20, 1992. He had previously been scheduled for execution on February 13, 2018, June 22, 2016, July 15, 2015 and January 7, 2015.
Scheduled execution on March 14, 2018 for the death of Richard Myers on March 20, 1992. He had previously been scheduled for execution on February 13, 2018, June 22, 2016, July 15, 2015 and January 7, 2015.
Melvin Bonnell - Cuyahoga County
Scheduled execution on April 11, 2018 for the death of Robert Bunner on November 28, 1986. Previously scheduled execution date: October 18, 2017.
Scheduled execution on April 11, 2018 for the death of Robert Bunner on November 28, 1986. Previously scheduled execution date: October 18, 2017.
Stanley L. Fitzpatrick - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on May 30, 2018 for the death of Dorothea Hayes and Shenay (12yr) on June 7, 2001; and Elton "Arybie" Rose on June 8, 2001.
Scheduled execution on May 30, 2018 for the death of Dorothea Hayes and Shenay (12yr) on June 7, 2001; and Elton "Arybie" Rose on June 8, 2001.
Angelo Fears - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on June 27, 2018 for the death of Antwan Gilliam on March 29th, 1997. Previously scheduled execution dates: May 18, 2016 and September 17, 2015.
Scheduled execution on June 27, 2018 for the death of Antwan Gilliam on March 29th, 1997. Previously scheduled execution dates: May 18, 2016 and September 17, 2015.
David A. Sneed - Stark County
Scheduled execution on August 1, 2018 for the death of Herbert Rowan on November 19, 1984.
Scheduled execution on August 1, 2018 for the death of Herbert Rowan on November 19, 1984.
Cleveland R. Jackson - Allen County
Scheduled execution on September 13, 2018 for the death of Leneshia Williams on January 3, 2002. Previously scheduled execution dates: July 20, 2016, November 17, 2015.
Scheduled execution on September 13, 2018 for the death of Leneshia Williams on January 3, 2002. Previously scheduled execution dates: July 20, 2016, November 17, 2015.
James Derrick O'Neal - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on October 10, 2018 for the death of Carol Ann O'Neal on December 11, 1993.
Scheduled execution on October 10, 2018 for the death of Carol Ann O'Neal on December 11, 1993.
John David Stumpf - Guernsey County
Scheduled execution on November 14, 2018 for the death of Mary Jane Stout on May 21, 1984. Previously scheduled execution date: January 3, 2018, January 15, 1985.
Scheduled execution on November 14, 2018 for the death of Mary Jane Stout on May 21, 1984. Previously scheduled execution date: January 3, 2018, January 15, 1985.
Elwood Hubert Jones - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on January 9, 2019 for the death of Rhoda Nathan on September 3, 1994. Previously scheduled execution date: September 3, 1997.
Scheduled execution on January 9, 2019 for the death of Rhoda Nathan on September 3, 1994. Previously scheduled execution date: September 3, 1997.
James Galen Hanna - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on February 13, 2019 for the death of Peter Copas on August 22, 1997. He was in prison serving a life sentence for the death of Edward V. Tucker and attempted aggravated murder of Harvey W. Blitz.
Scheduled execution on February 13, 2019 for the death of Peter Copas on August 22, 1997. He was in prison serving a life sentence for the death of Edward V. Tucker and attempted aggravated murder of Harvey W. Blitz.
Archie J. Dixon - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on March 20, 2019 for the death of Christopher Hammer on September 22, 1993.
Scheduled execution on March 20, 2019 for the death of Christopher Hammer on September 22, 1993.
Jeffrey Wogenstahl - Hamilton County
Scheduled execution on April 17, 2019 for the death of Amber Garrett on November 24, 1991. Previously scheduled execution dates: September 13, 2017, November 16, 2016, January 21, 2015 and May 14, 2015.
Scheduled execution on April 17, 2019 for the death of Amber Garrett on November 24, 1991. Previously scheduled execution dates: September 13, 2017, November 16, 2016, January 21, 2015 and May 14, 2015.
Timothy J. Hoffner - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on May 29, 2019 for the death of Christopher Hammer on September 22, 1993.
Scheduled execution on May 29, 2019 for the death of Christopher Hammer on September 22, 1993.
Kareem M. Jackson - Franklin County
Scheduled execution on July 10, 2019 for the deaths of Antonio Hunter and Terrance Walker on March 25, 1997. Previously scheduled execution dates: September 21, 2016 and January 21, 2016.
Scheduled execution on July 10, 2019 for the deaths of Antonio Hunter and Terrance Walker on March 25, 1997. Previously scheduled execution dates: September 21, 2016 and January 21, 2016.
Gregory Lott - Cuyahoga County
Scheduled execution on August 14, 2019 for the death of John McGrath on July 23, 1986. Previously scheduled execution dates: April 20, 2016, May 14, 2015, November 19, 2014, March 19, 2014, April 27, 2004, and August 27, 2002.
Scheduled execution on August 14, 2019 for the death of John McGrath on July 23, 1986. Previously scheduled execution dates: April 20, 2016, May 14, 2015, November 19, 2014, March 19, 2014, April 27, 2004, and August 27, 2002.
Douglas Lamont Coley - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on September 18, 2019 for the death of Samar El-Okdi on January 3, 1997. Previously scheduled execution date: March 14, 2018.
Scheduled execution on September 18, 2019 for the death of Samar El-Okdi on January 3, 1997. Previously scheduled execution date: March 14, 2018.
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James P. Frazier - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on October 17, 2019 for the death of Mary Stevenson on March 02, 2004. |
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Jason Dean - Clark County
Scheduled execution on October 23, 2019 for the death of Titus Arnold on April 13, 2005. |
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Denny Obermiller - Cuyahoga County
Scheduled execution on January 15, 2020 for the deaths of Candace & Donald Schneider in August, 2010. |
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Lawrence Landrum - Ross County
Scheduled execution on February 12, 2020 for the death of Harold White, Sr. on September 19, 1985. |
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Anthony Belton - Lucas County
Scheduled execution on March 11, 2020 for the death of Matthew Dugan on August 13, 2008. |
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Caron E. Montgomery - Franklin County
Scheduled execution on May 13, 2020 for the deaths of Tia, Tyron, & Tahlia Hendricks on November 25, 2010. |
Nathaniel Jackson - Trumbull County
Scheduled execution on July 15, 2020 for the death of Robert Fingerhut on December 11, 2001.
Scheduled execution on July 15, 2020 for the death of Robert Fingerhut on December 11, 2001.
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John E. Drummond - Ashtabula County
Scheduled execution on September 17, 2020 for the death of Jiyen Dent, Jr. on March 24, 2003. |
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Anthony Sowell - Cuyahoga County
Scheduled execution on November 18, 2020 for the deaths of Tonia Carmichael, Telicia Fortson, Crystal Dozier, Amelda "Amy" Hunter, Michelle Mason, Tishana Culver, Leshanda Long, Nancy Cobbs, Janice Webb, Kim Yvette Smith, Diane Turner. |
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Dawud E. Spaulding - Summit County
Scheduled execution on January 20, 2021 for the death of Ernest “Ernie” Thomas and Erica Singleton on December 15, 2011. Previously scheduled execution date: March 03, 2014. |
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Steven E. Cepec - Lorain County
Scheduled execution on March 24, 2021 for the death of Frank Munz on June 03, 2010. Previously scheduled execution date: June 03, 2014. |
Jeremiah Jackson - Cuyahoga County STAYED
Scheduled execution on March 22, 2017 for the death of Tracy Pickryl on June 18, 2009. Previously
scheduled execution date: April, 2010.
Scheduled execution on March 22, 2017 for the death of Tracy Pickryl on June 18, 2009. Previously
scheduled execution date: April, 2010.
Donald Ketterer - Butler County STAYED
Scheduled execution on May 17, 2017 for the death of Lawrence Sanders on February 24, 2003.
Previously scheduled execution date: June 24, 2004.
Scheduled execution on May 17, 2017 for the death of Lawrence Sanders on February 24, 2003.
Previously scheduled execution date: June 24, 2004.
Mark Pickens - Hamilton County STAYED
Scheduled execution on July 19, 2017 for the deaths of Noelle Washington, Anthony Jones III (9mo), and Sha’Railyn Wright (3yrs) on June 1, 2009. Previously scheduled execution date: July 1, 2010.
Scheduled execution on July 19, 2017 for the deaths of Noelle Washington, Anthony Jones III (9mo), and Sha’Railyn Wright (3yrs) on June 1, 2009. Previously scheduled execution date: July 1, 2010.
http://www.drc.ohio.gov/execution-schedule
