Gov. Bob Taft agreed to delay next week's scheduled execution of an inmate

Gov. Bob Taft agreed to delay next week's scheduled execution of an inmate who claims innocence so that DNA testing can be conducted.
Taft granted John Spirko a two-month reprieve at the request of Attorney General Jim Petro.
Petro, a Republican running for governor next year, said he does not believe the testing will be able to prove either Spirko's innocence or his guilt. "Notwithstanding, I believe that to the extent possible, all information should be made available for the parties, courts, and the Gov. to use for what purpose they feel necessary," Petro said.
Spirko was scheduled to die by injection Nov. 15 for the 1982 killing of Betty Jane Mottinger, 48. Spirko, 59, was convicted on the basis of witness' statements. No physical evidence linked him to the crime.