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Judge Allows Execution Volunteer To Change His Mind

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A judge has accepted an Ohio death row inmate’s request to change his mind about volunteering to be executed.

Condemned prisoner Gregory McKnight said earlier this year he wanted to be put to death for killing Kenyon College student Emily Murray in 2000.

McKnight said last week he would withdraw that request if a lawyer with a similar background was added to his legal team. McKnight is black and originally from New York City.

Federal Magistrate Judge Michael Merz agreed Tuesday to the selection of black defense attorney Anthony Ricco from New York. The judge said he considers McKnight’s volunteer request withdrawn. A message was left with Ricco.

The 39-year-old McKnight was sentenced to death for killing Murray and to life in prison for killing a friend, Gregory Julious.