John Spirko deserves new trial, not life sentence - Regina Brett
Plain Dealer Columnist
How does one measure doubt
Is John Spirko guilty of murder beyond a reasonable doubt
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
Beyond \"residual\" doubt
Gov. Ted Strickland moved Spirko off Ohio\'s death row this week after DNA tests could not link him to the crime scene. The governor halted the Jan. 24 execution and instead gave Spirko life without parole.
Strickland cited \"the slim residual doubt\" about Spirko\'s responsibility for the murder that arises from \"careful scrutiny of the case record.\"
Strickland said that doubt makes the death penalty \"inappropriate\" in this case.
Apparently, life in prison is appropriate for a man we doubt is guilty of murder.
Strickland acknowledged the lack of evidence to link Spirko to the 1982 murder of Postmaster Betty Jane Mottinger.
When I heard the governor decided not to let Spirko free or grant him a new trial, two words came to mind: Willie Horton.
Horton killed the political future of Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts during his run for president in 1988. As governor, Dukakis supported a program to let convicted felons out on weekend furloughs. While on furlough, Horton raped a woman and beat her fianc
The governor acknowledged the lack of evidence yet insists on keeping an innocent man locked away for life. Send an email to the governor office today and demand that he authorize a new trial immediately.
January 14, 2008
We reached a significant turning point today that proves how many people refuse to accept residual doubt as a substitute for justice. Take this momentum and call the governor office now to demand he grant a new trial rather than settling for life in prison. Post the link to your Facebook feed and text three friends who need to understand why this case demands action.
6 Comments
M
Mike Shepherd
18 years ago
Featured
If there is doubt then it is not justice. Stop holding a man who dna says isnt there. This is wrong.
D
David Griffin
18 years ago
Featured
Ohio needs to stop playing politics with human lives. Either he did it or he didnt, and right now no one can prove a thing.
S
Sarah Lin
18 years ago
Featured
Ridiculous how the system just leaves him to rot when they clearly dont have the proof. Fix this now.
K
Kevin Wallace
18 years ago
Featured
Residual doubt is just a fancy way of saying they messed up and dont want to admit it.
L
Linda Salazar
18 years ago
Featured
JUSTICE FOR SPIRKO! He deserves a real day in court after all these years.
B
Brenda Patel
18 years ago
Featured
Decades behind bars for someone who dna doesnt even link to the scene? Absolutely insane.
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John Spirko deserves new trial, not life sentence - Regina Brett
Plain Dealer Columnist
How does one measure doubt
Is John Spirko guilty of murder beyond a reasonable doubt
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
Beyond \"residual\" doubt
Gov. Ted Strickland moved Spirko off Ohio\'s death row this week after DNA tests could not link him to the crime scene. The governor halted the Jan. 24 execution and instead gave Spirko life without parole.
Strickland cited \"the slim residual doubt\" about Spirko\'s responsibility for the murder that arises from \"careful scrutiny of the case record.\"
Strickland said that doubt makes the death penalty \"inappropriate\" in this case.
Apparently, life in prison is appropriate for a man we doubt is guilty of murder.
Strickland acknowledged the lack of evidence to link Spirko to the 1982 murder of Postmaster Betty Jane Mottinger.
When I heard the governor decided not to let Spirko free or grant him a new trial, two words came to mind: Willie Horton.
Horton killed the political future of Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts during his run for president in 1988. As governor, Dukakis supported a program to let convicted felons out on weekend furloughs. While on furlough, Horton raped a woman and beat her fianc
The governor acknowledged the lack of evidence yet insists on keeping an innocent man locked away for life. Send an email to the governor office today and demand that he authorize a new trial immediately.
January 14, 2008
We reached a significant turning point today that proves how many people refuse to accept residual doubt as a substitute for justice. Take this momentum and call the governor office now to demand he grant a new trial rather than settling for life in prison. Post the link to your Facebook feed and text three friends who need to understand why this case demands action.
6 Comments
M
Mike Shepherd
18 years ago
Featured
If there is doubt then it is not justice. Stop holding a man who dna says isnt there. This is wrong.
D
David Griffin
18 years ago
Featured
Ohio needs to stop playing politics with human lives. Either he did it or he didnt, and right now no one can prove a thing.
S
Sarah Lin
18 years ago
Featured
Ridiculous how the system just leaves him to rot when they clearly dont have the proof. Fix this now.
K
Kevin Wallace
18 years ago
Featured
Residual doubt is just a fancy way of saying they messed up and dont want to admit it.
L
Linda Salazar
18 years ago
Featured
JUSTICE FOR SPIRKO! He deserves a real day in court after all these years.
B
Brenda Patel
18 years ago
Featured
Decades behind bars for someone who dna doesnt even link to the scene? Absolutely insane.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
100 signatures.
Your share link
Couldn't copy automatically. Long-press to copy:
Share directly
Sign Petition
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or sign with Email
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By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
If there is doubt then it is not justice. Stop holding a man who dna says isnt there. This is wrong.