The Ohio State Parole Board was unanimous is recommending clemency for Arthur Tyler, who was convicted of murdering Sander Leach during a robbery in Cleveland back in 1983.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office joined the defense in asking for clemency, although the prosecutor wanted Tyler to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The parole board was split on exactly what the sentence should be. Six board members say Tyler should serve a life sentence with immediate parole eligibility, while the other five say Tyler should serve 33 years to life, and be eligible for parole in two years.
Tyler’s execution would be the first since the controversial execution of Dennis McGuire. His death made national headlines after news outlets reported that McGuire appeared to be gasping and snorting, though the prisons department’s review of the execution concluded he wasn’t in pain.
The governor has already rescheduled the execution of another convicted murderer, Gregory Lott, who was supposed to be put to death in March. His execution is now set for Nov. 19.
There’s no word yet on when Kasich might make his decision about Tyler.
