Cleveland, OH

With Bipartisan Support, It’s Time to Stop Ohio From Executing People

Published

2 years ago

April 6, 2023

Press Room

With Bipartisan Support, It’s Time to Stop Ohio From Executing People

Photograph through Thinkstock

Momentum continues to construct to abolish the dying penalty in Ohio

Ohio Legal professional Common Dave Yost seems to have used a usually factual state report on the dying penalty to make his case for resuming executions.

Going again to when it was first issued by AG Betty Montgomery, the Ohio Capital Crimes Report offered a priceless document of all executions and dying penalty circumstances in Ohio. It’s required to be issued by the Legal professional Common annually by April 1.

Through the years, the Capital Crimes Report confirmed the standing of all capital circumstances, together with those who led to executions. The doc incorporates particulars on the place circumstances are within the authorized system, an advanced and complicated course of that always takes 15 to twenty years or extra. Probably the most painful a part of the report is the temporary abstract of the crime in every case. They paint a grim story of homicide, mayhem, and cruelty past creativeness. It’s arduous, as a reader, to not assume that the killer, if responsible, shouldn’t be allowed to stroll amongst us.

Yost, a Republican death-penalty supporter maybe eyeing a future run for governor, remodeled the 2022 report into a private marketing campaign to repair the “state’s damaged capital-punishment system.”

Translated, it seems to imply he desires to kill extra individuals.

Yost, a former county prosecutor, dutifully consists of all of the info within the report, however goes on to lament the state has executed solely 56 individuals out of 341 dying sentences issued since 1981 (FYI: The state didn’t resume executions till 1999 and has not had an execution since 2018 due to lack of medication used for deadly injections.)

His transfer on this route started, at the least in a public sense, when he met earlier this 12 months with Norman Stout, sufferer of a 1984 residence invasion close to New Harmony that resulted within the dying of his spouse, Mary Jane. Yost publicized the assembly in advocating for higher emphasis on victims in capital circumstances. John David Stumpf, the person convicted of killing Mary Jane and critically wounding Norm Stout, stays on Demise Row after 39 years.

The Government Abstract of the brand new Capital Crimes Report, written by or echoing Yost’s opinion, says the system “just isn’t equally or promptly enforced, and due to that it invitations mistrust and disrespect for the rule of legislation.” He argues that the lengthy attraction course of is cumbersome, delays justice for victims, and prices taxpayers far an excessive amount of cash. And he sympathizes with jurors who handed down dying sentences solely to see 1 in 6 leading to an execution.

Yost questions the concept of “exonerations,” arguing that there are a only a few precise innocence circumstances.

In equity, the Legal professional Common suggests some adjustments may very well be made, together with requiring a couple of eye witness in homicide circumstances, and extra particular proof similar to DNA or a video confession.

A lot of Yost’s complaints are legitimate.

Whereas I disagree with my former newspaper colleague (Yost was a reporter way back) on practically every part, I agree the system is damaged. It’s badly skewed in opposition to minority and poor defendants, suffers from radical geographic disparities, plus situations of incompetent legal professionals, and unscrupulous legislation enforcement and prosecutors. Victims have a voice by means of the prosecutor and a Crime Victims consultant.

The accused is represented by attorneys, usually a state or federal public defender. Ignored of the equation virtually completely are households of the convicted killers who, in a way, are about to change into victims themselves.

As a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, I personally witnessed 21 executions and wrote about dozens of others. I maintained an goal perspective all through 44 years in journalism, the final 33 years in Columbus. I saved my opinions to myself in print and in individual.

However after I left journalism, and never coincidentally after I went to theology faculty, I grew to become satisfied that the dying penalty was morally, spiritually, ethically, and financially unsuitable. All life is sacred.

Yost downplays dozens of circumstances which resulted in exonerations, the place selections had been reversed by the courts, or the governor granted clemency. I do know these exceptions for a reality, having written about lots of them previous to my retirement in 2017.

One case stands out. Tim Howard and Gary James, two Columbus males charged in a 1976 financial institution theft and homicide, had been exonerated in 2003 as not responsible after being behind bars for 27 years, a part of the time on Demise Row. Their dying penalties had been overturned when capital punishment was discovered unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court docket, however they remained incarcerated for all times.

The Howard and James case had all of the markers of injustice: false witness identification, lacking and withheld proof, no movie within the financial institution surveillance cameras, investigative abuses by a corrupt police officer, and bonafide alibis conveniently ignored. They had been railroaded.

The wrongful prosecution ended up costing Ohio taxpayers $4 million in a court docket settlement, the biggest in state historical past on the time. Related settlements have occurred since. Yost would like you neglect about these.

There have been 191 innocence exonerations from capital circumstances nationally since 1973, 11 in Ohio, together with Howard and James, based on the Demise Penalty Data Middle.

My private and agency perception as a Christian is that killing individuals to punish individuals for killing is unsuitable. Yost, who professes Christianity, should cope with that in his personal thoughts.

In his official screed, Yost says, “Both make capital punishment an efficient instrument for justice or remove it.”

Straightforward. Finish it.

Bipartisan laws has been launched within the Common Meeting to finish the dying penalty.

Do it. Finish killing by the state of Ohio.

Initially printed by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished right here with permission.

Source link

Click to comment

Cleveland, OH

Man shot in Detroit Shoreway driven to Tremont before police called

Published

5 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

Man shot in Detroit Shoreway driven to Tremont before police called

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A man was shot in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, picked up by a private car, and driven to a popular area in Tremont Sunday afternoon.

According to Cleveland Police, a 29-year-old was shot in the area of West 81st Street and Wakefield Avenue.

Police say he was taken by a private vehicle to the 2300 block of West 11th Street in the Tremont neighborhood.

Someone then called Cleveland Police.

19 News was on scene in Tremont and saw a white Toyota SUV roped off as part of the crime scene with the left passenger door still open. Outside of the driver’s side door was a pair of black sneakers and several clothing items.

Neighbors in Tremont were stunned to see all the police activity and a road blocked off due to the violent crime.

Rob Broka lives and works just a few doors down.

“I’ve lived here since 2016 and I mean it’s a city so obviously things happen, but I mean something this close, there’s never been anything violent, at least in this neighborhood,” said Broka.

EMS took the victim to the hospital.

No word yet on the victim’s condition.

Source link

Cleveland, OH

LIST: Northeast Ohio to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with events

Published

13 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

LIST: Northeast Ohio to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with events

3News has compiled a list of events taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio will honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025 with a range of events celebrating his legacy of equality, justice and service.

From community discussions to cultural programs and volunteer opportunities, residents across the region can participate in meaningful activities that promote reflection and unity.

Whether virtual or in-person, these events offer a chance to connect and honor Dr. King’s vision.

3News has compiled the following list of events happening in Cuyahoga, Summit and Stark counties.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY

Rock Hall Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 20
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | 1100 E. 9th Street, Cleveland

The Rock Hall will offer free admission in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Guests can enjoy special programs, musical performances, and exhibits reflecting Dr. King’s influence on music and culture.

MLK Community Open House & Day of Music

Jan. 20
11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Severance Music Center | 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

The Cleveland Orchestra will host free community performances and activities suitable for families.

More information can be found HERE.

Cleveland Clinic 2025 MLK Day of Celebration

Jan. 17
8 a.m. (virtual event)

The Cleveland Clinic’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration focuses on food justice, inspired by Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, will serve as the keynote speaker. The program addresses hunger and highlights Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to combating food insecurity. The free virtual event will also be available on-demand.

Cleveland Museum of Art MLK Day Celebration

Jan. 20
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cleveland Museum of Art | 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland

Explore activities inspired by Dr. King’s writings, create art, and reflect on his legacy.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History MLK Day

Jan. 20
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History | 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland

Enjoy free admission, community art projects, and special activities in honor of Dr. King.

Cleveland Orchestra MLK Jr. Celebration Concert

Jan. 19
7:30 p.m.
Severance Music Center | 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy through music at this special concert.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Arts Center Celebration

Jan. 20
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cleveland Museum of Art | 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland

Explore a variety of programs and activities related to Dr. King’s theme of justice and nonviolence.

Jan. 8
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Building | 3450 Lee Rd., 2nd Floor, Shaker Heights

Seniors (ages 55+) are invited to a creative art-making activity based on the theme “Many Voices, One CommUnity.” No prior art experience required.

Arts-Inspired Celebration

Jan. 16
7 p.m.
Shaker Heights Middle School Auditorium | 20600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights

A soul-stirring event featuring performances, live music, dance, and an intergenerational art exhibit.

Great Lakes Science Center

Jan. 20
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Great Lakes Science Center | 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland

In honor of MLK Day, the Great Lakes Science Center is offering free admission to all guests.

STARK COUNTY

Zap Zone Canton – MLK Jr. Day Celebration

Jan. 20
Two-hour time slots are available starting at 10 a.m.
Zap Zone Canton | 4820 Everhard Road NW, Canton

Celebrate with unlimited activities, including laser tag, pixel floor and more.

SUMMIT COUNTY

Akron Art Museum – Free Admission

Jan. 20
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Akron Art Museum | 1 South High Street, Akron

Celebrate MLK Jr. Day with free admission to the museum, featuring a specially designed gallery guide and family-friendly activities.

Akron Urban League – Annual MLK Breakfast

Jan. 20
8 a.m.
Hilton Akron/Fairlawn | 3180 W. Market Street, Akron

Join the Akron Urban League in honoring Dr. King’s legacy at their annual breakfast. Tickets and sponsorships are available.

Akron Zoo – MLK Jr. Day Celebration

Jan. 20
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Akron Zoo | 500 Edgewood Avenue, Akron

Enjoy a day at the zoo with special activities and exhibits in honor of Dr. King.

Stow’s MLK Community Conversation

Jan. 20
6:30 p.m.
Stow City Hall | 3760 Darrow Road, Stow

Join the community for a conversation featuring local speakers discussing the continued importance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Source link

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland and Akron see sharp declines in gas prices: What GasBuddy is saying

Published

21 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

Cleveland and Akron see sharp declines in gas prices: What GasBuddy is saying

The average price in Akron is now listed at $2.92 per gallon, while it has dropped to $2.98 in Cleveland.

AKRON, Ohio — Gas prices in Cleveland have dropped over the past week.

Drivers in Cleveland are now paying an average of $2.98 per gallon after prices fell 13.4 cents in the last week, according to new data released by GasBuddy early Monday. Prices in Cleveland are currently 7.8 cents lower than a month ago but still 14.9 cents higher than this time last year.

The average gas price in Akron also saw a notable decline, dropping 18.2 cents to $2.92 per gallon.

LIST & MAP: Where to find the cheapest gas prices near you

The national average price of gasoline fell by 1.1 cents in the last week, now averaging $3.02 per gallon. Diesel prices, however, rose by 3.7 cents, reaching $3.525 per gallon.

“It’s been a relatively quiet week for the national average price of gasoline, with little overall movement,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, colder weather has pushed diesel prices higher and could also impact gasoline prices if refiners face disruptions. Oil prices have climbed to their highest level since October, driven by President Biden’s new sanctions on so-called dark vessels, which have slowed countries like Iran’s ability to sell oil. This could soon lead to more noticeable increases in gas prices. Seasonally weak demand may help soften the impact of any increases for now, but with refinery maintenance season just weeks away—when refiners typically reduce gasoline production—motorists should be prepared for the spring rally to kick off.”

Here’s a look at historical gasoline prices in Cleveland and the national average going back 10 years, as listed by GasBuddy: