OHIO (USA): GOVERNOR TED STRICKLAND GRANTS CLEMENCY TO KEVIN KEITH

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland granted clemency to Kevin Keith, 46, commuting his death sentence to life without parole.
Keith, who was convicted of killing 2 women and a 4-year-old girl and wounding a man and 2 children in February 1994, has always maintained his innocence, and some evidence pointed to another suspect.
Gov. Strickland’s commutation statement addressed his concerns regarding Keith’s case: “Mr. Keith’s conviction relied upon the linking of certain eyewitness testimony with certain forensic evidence about which important questions have been raised. I also find the absence of a full investigation of other credible suspects troubling.”
The governor acknowledged that Keith might well be guilty and that the Ohio Parole Board had recommended against clemency, but he could not allow an execution with the doubts that persisted.  The governor left open the possibility that future developments might require additional relief for Mr. Keith. 
Attorneys for Keith applauded Gov. Strickland’s actions, but said they will continue to petition for a new trial to address newly discovered evidence, evidence withheld by the State, and new science behind eyewitness identification, all of which, they claim, point to Mr. Keith's innocence.