Execution of man who killed Mansfield cellmate should go ahead, says parole board

Strickland, a Democrat who took office last month, has postponed the executions of three inmates including Newton while he reviews their cases. Newton's execution, originally scheduled for Feb. 27, is now set for May 24.

If Strickland grants clemency, Newton's sentence could be reduced or he could be released. Gov. Bob Taft granted clemency in 2003 to an inmate over concerns about evidence presented to the jury. Jerome Campbell is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Newton's attorneys said he has opted not to pursue appeals thus far and has no pending legal proceedings.

Brewer was serving a three- to 10-year sentence for attempted burglary while Newton was in prison for eight- to 15-year sentence for having a weapon illegally, attempted burglary and attempted escape.

Brewer died a few hours after the attack. Newton told authorities he made a rope and later cut a strip from his prison jumpsuit to strangle Brewer when the rope broke. He also stomped on Newton's head, throat and chest.

Newton admitted to the killing and said he had never met or heard of Brewer until they had been put together in the cell. According to testimony at his trial, Newton and Brewer had argued while playing chess, Newton hit Brewer and later decided to kill him.

Newton has said that he is mentally ill and should not be executed, but the Ohio Supreme Court rejected that argument and said Newton had falsified psychiatric symptoms to appear to have a serious mental disorder to receive special treatment and medication.

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