Following the recommendation of the Ohio Parole Board, Governor Bob Taft granted clemency to Jerome Campbell today, Thursday, June 26, 2003. Campbell’s execution was set for tomorrow, June 27, 2003. This is the first time Governor Taft has granted clemency to a death row inmate.

The Ohio Adult Parole Authority, in an opinion issued May 2, 2003, had recommended the Governor grant Campbell clemency. In their opinion, the Adult Parole Authority stated that due to new evidence "it is impossible, nearly fourteen years after trial, to surmise how jurors might have reacted" to that new evidence. They recommended a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The Governor concurred in these statements.

The Ohio Public Defender presented new evidence in Campbell’s case. New DNA test results of blood stains on Campbell’s shoes turned out not to be the DNA of the victim as had been presented at trial, but instead was the DNA of Campbell himself. In addition, police reports were obtained that strongly indicated two jailhouse informants were given consideration for their testimonies against Campbell. At trial, the jury was told the informants received nothing for their testimony.

The Governor’s commutation means that Campbell will now serve a sentence of life in prison without parole and will no longer be under a sentence of death.

TAFT RELEASES STATEMENT ON CAMPBELL CLEMENCY REQUEST