FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2010

Statement from State Public Defender Tim Young regarding today’s
Parole Board recommendation against clemency for Mark Brown

COLUMBUS – “The Ohio Parole Board has lost its way.  Evidence shows that Mark Brown did not shoot one of the victims, a key prosecution witness admitted he lied during the trial, the prosecution did not call two eyewitnesses who contradicted the prosecutor’s theory of the case, two jurors believe the death sentence is not appropriate, Brown was represented by ineffective counsel during his trial and appeals, and Brown was subjected to severe abuse throughout his childhood.  And yet, not a single member of the Ohio Parole Board could find it in themselves to recommend mercy.

 “Mark Brown’s case presented to the Parole Board every issue it claims to look for during its consideration of clemency: innocence; lying witnesses; ineffective counsel; questionable court proceedings, including an elected prosecutor who, during the time of trial, was known to have accepted bribes and fixed cases, and who was ultimately sentenced to prison for his corruption; nearly perfect behavior in prison; and a lifetime of abuse.  If all of these factors together in one case do not justify even a single vote for mercy, then the Ohio Parole Board should no longer be part of Ohio’s clemency process.

 “I encourage Governor Strickland not only to grant Mark Brown clemency, but also to evaluate the Parole Board’s role in the clemency process.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Amy Borror, Public Information Officer
Office of the Ohio Public Defender
614-644-1587
Email: amy.borror@opd.ohio.gov