Kenny Richey - a British national on death row

Act now
Write to your MP about Kenny Richey's case, raising Amnesty's concerns and asking for the UK Government to continue making representations to stop his execution. Take action  http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=78

Current stage of judicial process
Update: September 2006 On the 4th September it was announced that the 6th Circuit Federal Court of Appeal asked to re-hear parts of Kenny's case and reconsider some of the evidence that led to Kenny having spent nearly 20 years on death row in Ohio.

Amnesty International welcomes the news that Kenny will have another opportunity to clear his name.

Background

After years of campaigning, the 6th Circuit Federal Court in Ohio ruled to overturn Kenny's conviction and death sentence. On 28 January 2005 the 6th Circuit ordered the State of Ohio to either release or re-try Kenny within 90 days. The prosecution appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court.

On the 28 November 2005, in an extremely disappointing decision, the US Supreme Court instructed the 6th Circuit to reconsider its decision, saying that the Federal Court had misinterpreted state law by ruling in Kenny's favour. The US Supreme Court called for a further review of Kenny's claims concerning inadequate legal representation at the original trial.

The 6th Circuit had applied to the US Supreme Court to consider whether it should hear the issues raised by the 6th Circuit in a full hearing. It appears that the US Supreme Court made the decision on the case without having a full hearing, this happens very rarely, maybe three or four times a year.

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty said:

'This is very disappointing news and a blow for all the campaigners on Kenny's behalf who have simply wanted Kenny to get the chance to undo the damage done by a shockingly poor-quality original trial. However, we will continue to press for justice for Kenny, including representations to the UK and US government.'