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Home Kenny Richey New hope for Death Row Richey as court agrees to hear pleas for retrial New hope for Death Row Richey as court agrees to hear pleas for retrial
Tuesday, 05 September 2006
DEATH row Scot Kenny Richey has been offered new hope in his bid for freedom.
The 42-year old, who has been on death row in Ohio for nearly 20 years, has been told a court will hear his pleas for a retrial.
And the news means he will have another stay of execution until at least January.
Richey, sentenced to death in 1987 for the murder of two-year-old Cynthia Collins, has always protested his innocence.
And in January his lawyers will argue before Ohio's Supreme Court that his case should be retried.
This will be the first time defence lawyer Ken Parsigian has come face-to-face with Ohio prosecutor Gary Lammers who is intent on keeping Kenny behind bars. Both men are prepared to see the case to the end but Lammers has already admitted he wants Richey executed.
The good news from Richey's lawyers came in the week he is to have an emotional reunion with his mother. Eileen, 61, from Edinburgh, is to make her first visit for three years to the Mansfield Correctional Institute.
Kenny said: "I cannot believe I have to wait another six months to find out what is happening.
"I am happy in one way that my lawyers are going to be able to go into court and argue my case.
"But on the other hand I am devastated that I have to spend another Christmas in here with a heart condition.
"I am glad my mum is here this week, it will make all the difference to see her."
Mr Parsigian, who has been fighting for Richey for more than ten years, said that although he was disappointed with the timing of the decision he was positive he could win the case.