Post by sclcookie on Jun 2, 2006 0:32:02 GMT -5
Justices reverse death penalty over killer's abusive childhood
The Ohio Supreme Court today reversed the death penalty for a man
convicted of strangling and stomping a 76-year-old man to death during a
robbery.
The justices unanimously upheld the conviction of Troy Tenace -- but 4 of
them ruled that the 44-year-old's abusive childhood was so horrible that
it overcame the brutality of the crime.
The majority opinion also noted that Tenace expressed remorse when he
confessed to police and that he would not be eligible for parole until age
96 if he received the maximum sentence.
Tenace was convicted of robbing and killing Chester Kozlowski in his
Toledo home in January 1994 after doing repair work on the man's chimney.
3 justices say he still should receive the death penalty. The case returns
to Lucas County for resentencing.
(source: Associated Press)
The Ohio Supreme Court today reversed the death penalty for a man
convicted of strangling and stomping a 76-year-old man to death during a
robbery.
The justices unanimously upheld the conviction of Troy Tenace -- but 4 of
them ruled that the 44-year-old's abusive childhood was so horrible that
it overcame the brutality of the crime.
The majority opinion also noted that Tenace expressed remorse when he
confessed to police and that he would not be eligible for parole until age
96 if he received the maximum sentence.
Tenace was convicted of robbing and killing Chester Kozlowski in his
Toledo home in January 1994 after doing repair work on the man's chimney.
3 justices say he still should receive the death penalty. The case returns
to Lucas County for resentencing.
(source: Associated Press)