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Home John Spirko John Spirko:Petro asks for 4 month delay of execution John Spirko:Petro asks for 4 month delay of execution
Friday, 16 June 2006
Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Attorney General Jim Petro asked Gov. Bob Taft on Thursday to delay for the fourth time the execution of a man convicted of killing a postmistress so investigators can try to match DNA evidence to other suspects.
Petro asked Taft's legal staff to postpone for 120 days, and possibly longer, the execution of John Spirko, 60, who was to be executed July 19. Taft spokesman Mark Rickel said the governor decide on the request soon.
Taft has delayed the execution on three previous occasions at Petro's request, twice for 60 days and most recently for six months. Spirko originally was to die Sept. 19, 2005, for the 1982 abduction and slaying of Betty Jane Mottinger, 48, the postmistress in Elgin in northwestern Ohio.
Spirko asked Petro for DNA testing on hair found on duct tape that was wrapped around the tarp in which Mottinger's body was found. On March 13, he requested testing on additional evidence, including 30 to 100 cigarette butts recovered from the Elgin post office, where Mottinger was kidnapped.
"We believe that 120 days will be sufficient time to complete all testing," wrote Heather Gosselin, senior deputy attorney general. "Should more time be needed, we will request an additional extension."
Courts at all levels have upheld the conviction and death sentence, but Spirko claims he is innocent and his attorneys say the evidence against him is thin.