New evidence was introduced during an Ohio Parole Board hearing this morning for death row inmate Brett Hartman of Akron. It came in the form of a new psychological report, which defense attorneys used to urge the parole board to recommend that Hartman's life be spared.
Summit County Assistant Prosecutor Brad Gessner says the hearing was conducted to allow both sides to introduce new evidence not heard in Hartman's other hearings to discuss clemency.
"The only new thing was a new psychological report they had on him, which confirmed that he had the background of someone who would be capable of this type of rage," said Gessner.
The "rage" Gessner refers to is the 1997 murder of Winda Snipes, 46, who was stabbed 138 times in her Highland Square apartment. Her severed hands were never found. Overwhelming evidence immediately led to Hartman, who claims he is innocent.
"We're hopeful that next Thursday, October 18, the parole board will make their findings for the governor and that will be the governor's call," said Gessner.
Hartman is scheduled to be executed November 13. Hartman was supposed to die by lethal injection in 2009 while the U.S. Supreme Court considered a case that included claims similar to some of Hartman's. His second execution date was scratched when the state decided to hold off on all executions due to some procedural questions.
