8/4/14

Dear Member,

As the summer winds down, Ohioans to Stop Executions is preparing a rich schedule of events for this fall! Soon, we’ll announce a lineup which will include regional training conferences and more “Voices of Experience” events throughout the state from September into December, and beyond. You can be an integral part of these activities that will help us enact legislation implementing the recommendations of the Ohio Supreme Court Joint Task Force on the Administration of Ohio’s Death Penalty.

To schedule an event in your area or to volunteer as we prepare the regional training series, get in touch with Abe Bonowitz (abe@otse.org).

PS – Scroll down to see why the executions scheduled for 2014 in Ohio may not happen…

Yours,



Kevin Werner

Executive Director

Status of Upcoming Executions

U.S District Judge Gregory FrostOhio has executions scheduled into 2016, yet it remains unclear when the next executions will take place. This is because U.S. District Judge Gregory Frost (pictured) has issued a temporary freeze on executions until August 15th. However, recent botched executions in other states that use the same protocols as Ohio increase the chances that pending litigation will keep Ohio execution-free into October or November.

Executions scheduled for 2014:

September 18, 2014: Ronald R. Phillip

October 15, 2014: Raymond Tibbetts

November 19, 2014: Gregory Lott

(See the full schedule, extending into 2016, on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Website)

So… What Should We Be Doing?

OTSE Faith Leader Initiative ListRecently Ohioans to Stop Executions received the following question: “So what should parishes like ours be doing right now for the cause?” We’re glad you asked. The answer: As much as possible on the OTSE Faith Leader Initiative To Do List. This comprehensive list of activities provides a guide to empowering your community – from clergy to congregants – to support policy makers in our counties and in our state as they consider recommendations to reform Ohio’s death penalty system.

Please access the full list here, gather your leaders, and take action! If you have any questions, or if we can assist you in any way, please contact OTSE at info@otse.org.

In The News

The roundup, from the OTSE news bulletin:

  • Put death on hold – The Akron Beacon Journal READ
  • Eric Holder ‘greatly troubled’ by spate of botched executions – The Guardian READ
  • Flawed Arizona execution must force another look at Ohio’s death cocktail: editorial – Cleveland Plain Dealer READ
  • Murder victim’s daughter new chairwoman of Ohioans to Stop Executions – The Columbus Dispatch READ

Upcoming Events

Aug 23

OTSE Tables at the Toledo Pride Festival

Stop by OTSE’s table at this year’s Toledo Pride Festival! Last year, nearly 15,000 people joined were at Toledo Pride 2013! It was the biggest and best year ever with over 500 people participating in the Nite Glo 5K at the University of Toledo, nearly 14,000 people coming out to Promenade Park for Toledo Pride and about 250 people attending Sunday Funday at Owens Community College.