Antonio Issues Statement Following Ohio's 12th Death Row Exoneration

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement after Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich dismissed the case of Elwood Jones, a man who was sentenced to death three decades ago before being released and granted a new trial, after determining that there was no evidence to support his conviction.

“I am grateful to County Prosecutor Pillich for using her expertise– including state legislative experience– to make a well-reasoned decision that grants dignity to Mr. Jones,” said Leader Antonio.

Mr. Jones has now become the 12th person exonerated from death row in Ohio. According to Pillich, there was evidence that ruled Jones out as a suspect, and potential exculpatory evidence that was not presented when the case was initially tried.

“Every time Ohio exonerates another person from death row, we should look towards taking the reasonable step of putting an end to the death penalty to avoid making another costly and inhumane mistake,” said Antonio.

Leader Antonio is the lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation in the Ohio Senate that would abolish the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.