COLUMBUS — Attorneys for a condemned killer once described as “the poster child for the death penalty” are citing his poor health as they ask Ohio’s governor for mercy ahead of next month’s scheduled execution.
A filing with the Ohio Parole Board says death row inmate Alva Campbell uses a walker, relies on an external colostomy bag, requires four breathing treatments a day and may have lung cancer.
They also say the 69-year-old Campbell was the product of a violent, dysfunctional and sexually abusive childhood.
Prosecutors say Campbell’s health claims are ironic given that he faked paralysis to escape court custody on the day in 1997 he fatally shot a teenage boy during an escape attempt in Columbus.
The parole board will hear arguments for and against clemency on Thursday. Republican Gov. John Kasich has the final say.