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Post by Anja on Jun 23, 2006 18:10:20 GMT -5
Mental exam ordered as execution day looms
In COlumbus, the Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Rocky Barton, 49, a convicted killer from Warren County who is to be executed July 12.
In Thursday's ruling, the court did not order Barton's execution delayed, but called for a prompt hearing.
A hearing is tentatively set for July 3 before Warren County Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson.
The Supreme Court, in a 6-1 ruling, said Barton's competency should be determined by a Warren County judge because Barton waived his right to appeal the death sentence.
Barton chose not to defend himself at an Ohio Parole Board hearing Monday.
Middletown attorney Christopher J. Pagan filed an appeal to the Supreme Court this month seeking the evaluation.
However, Barton asked his attorney to stop appealing. Pagan said it's possible Barton could appear in court on his own behalf July 3.
Warren County Prosecutor Rachel A. Hutzel said she is confident Barton will be found competent.
Barton was convicted of killing his 4th wife, Kimbirli, at their Waynesville farmhouse in 2003.
2 of Kimbirli's daughters and her sister testified Monday before the state Parole Board that Barton is manipulating the court system.
"We hope they just kill him and let it be done,'' Julie Vickers, 29, of Trenton, the oldest of three daughters, said at Monday's hearing.
(source: The Enquirer)
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