John Spirko

Noting that DNA testing of evidence is still not complete, Attorney General Jim Petro's office has asked for another delay in the execution of death-row inmate John Spirko, which is scheduled for Nov. 29. If granted by Gov. Bob Taft, the proposed 120-day reprieve - the fifth approved since last year - would put Spirko's fate into the hands of the next attorney general and the next governor. Spirko was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1982 kidnapping and murder of Elgin postmaster Betty Jane Mottinger, a crime he insists he didn't commit. Questions have been raised about the quality of the evidence and the integrity of the investigation that put him on death row.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Attorney General Jim Petro on Friday asked Gov. Bob Taft for a fifth reprieve for a condemned killer to allow more time for DNA testing in the 24-year-old murder of an Ohio postmistress.

If Taft agrees to the delay for death row inmate John Spirko it means Spirko's fate would likely be decided by whoever is elected governor next month.

John Spirko sent me the letter I am posting below.

 As most people know, John has yet another execution date this 29th November.

 Please read the letter and show John your support by writing officials and also dropping him a note. If you can send him a few US emobossed envelopes so he can reply to people that too would be wonderful.

As most of you know John Spirko has another serious execution date on 29th November. We have long campaigned on here for John and his fight to prove his innocence.

Please write to Governor Taft and also sign John's petition.