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No Clemency For Convicted Belmont Co. Killer

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UPDATE 12:05 P.M. The Ohio Parole Board is recommending against clemency for a condemned double killer who declined to ask for mercy from the board.

Forty-three-year-old Donald Palmer is scheduled for execution Sept. 20. He was convicted of fatally shooting two men in the head along a Belmont County road in eastern Ohio on May 8, 1989.
 
Palmer's attorney David Stebbins says it's rare for inmates not to seek mercy but it's a decision that must be honored if the offender is competent.
 
The board ruled unanimously Friday, saying that Palmer didn't provide evidence he should be spared, there is no question of his guilt, and his behavior in prison has been poor.
 
Gov. John Kasich has the final say, but Stebbins says he expects the execution to proceed.

 

The Ohio Parole Board is preparing to announce its clemency ruling for a condemned double killer who declined to ask for mercy from the board.

Donald Palmer, 43, is scheduled for execution Sept. 20.
 
He was convicted of fatally shooting two men in the head along a Belmont County road in eastern Ohio on May 8, 1989.
 
Palmer's attorney David Stebbins says it's rare for inmates to decline the chance to seek mercy but it's a decision that must be honored if the offender is competent.
 
The board still could recommend clemency for Palmer to Gov. John Kasich when it issues its decision Friday morning.
 
But Stebbins says he expects the execution to proceed and doesn't plan to file any further appeals.