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AUDIO Parole Board Hears From Akron Killer
2/26/2009 2:56:33 PM | Chris Keppler

The panel will make a recommendation on the execution of Brett Hartman next week.

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In a hearing that lasted nearly four hours, the Ohio Parole Board heard from those supporting the victim and those who think that Hartman should avoid lethal injection April 7th.

Hartman claims he's innocent, despite the conviction of murder and other charges stemming from the 1997 brutal death of Winda Snipes, 46. Snipes was stabbed more than 130 times, strangled and investigators never found her severed hands.

There are two issues that defense attorney David Stebbins tried to raise: mitigating circumstances and innocence of the crimes.

LISTEN to David Stebbins explain why

Stebbins and other witnesses told the board that Hartman's "chaotic" childhood combined a behavoral problems and possible alcohol abuse as an adult are important factors and are some of the things that jurors weren't allowed to hear during the trial. He's asking that Hartman's death sentence by commuted in favor of life in prison, but also suggesting that his client is innocent. Stebbins gave only brief mentions of innocence until board members asked him if he planned to offer more details.

"Are you going to testify to his innocence," asked one board member.

"No, I was not," Stebbins responded. "But I can if you want."

LISTEN to the board chair ask the defense attorney to explain

Hartman's mother, Carol Parcell, and others asked that his life be spared, but there seemed to be little emotion. Among their statements:

"He's always been a good son," said Parcell

"He's been a blessing to the prison system," said Arletta Hartman, the inmate's aunt who raised him on a remote Native American reservation for several years

"We've already taken enough from him," said Hartman's nephew, Joshua Wolpert, in a taped statement.

There were many references to Hartman's work as an artist, a talent he has picked up since becoming a prisoner. You can add that to the list - he's also become an ordained minister and a paralegal. He's painted murals in the prison and family members sell his art to raise money.

Hartman has apparently made friends with another death row inmate, a name familiar to many in this region: James Earl Trimble. It seems that Trimble had a rough time when he first landed on death row for a triple-homicide in Portage County, so Brett Hartman decided to help out, telling him to find a hobby. Hartman took it another step and helped Trimble learn Origami - paper folding. Sister Alice Gerdeman told the story as part of her plea to save Hartman's life and says the ceiling of Trimble's cell is full of his paper masterpieces.

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan-Walsh says Hartman deserves to die, regardless of the classes he's taken or his role in the prison system.

"The facts are very clear," said Walsh. "The evidence against Hartman is even stronger now than it was then."

LISTEN to the prosecutor make her case (Note: sexual nature may be offensive to some)

Walsh referred to DNA evidence that Hartman insisted would identify the real killer. It turns out the seminal fluid belonged to him.

A friend of Snipes spoke for about 45 minutes, recalling their friendship and asking that the sentence be carried out as ordered. Jacqueline Brown told the 8-member panel that commuting the death penalty in this case "tells the world that you can kill who you want."

Neither Snipes nor Hartman have strong ties to the Akron area - neither had lived in Summit County more than a few years and they had few relatives nearby. Snipes and Hartman, however, did know each other. They were apparently lovers at one time.

The parole board will issue its recommendation to the governor March 6th. Governor Ted Strickland will then decide if the death sentenced will be carried out.

Editor's note: There is some confusion over the correct spelling of the inmate's name. Some media outlets refer to him as Brett Hartmann (note the 2 n's), while others, including ANN, omit the last letter. Hartman (or Hartmann) reportedly says his name is spelled with 2 n's, but the Ohio Department of Corrections insists his official records contain only one.

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posted at 2/26/2009 6:31:01 PM (5822)
91.3 listener said:

I have very mixed emotions about the death sentence....I can see both sides .... however i think the execution is warranted in this case. Just because one has had a troubled childhood does not give one the right to take anothers life in such a bloodbath manner. Yes, people do have extreme traumatic experinces as a child but then most don't go on a killing rampage. They choose to kill and act out. Good for him ;he found a hobby, something to pass the time away;;; ;Yes he claims he has found "GOD". So what ? This does not change the nature of his brutal crime...It may be cruel of me to say "SO WHAT"....God will deal with him in the end anyway.

posted at 2/26/2009 10:35:13 PM (5830)
misstia said:

i had a horrible childhood and i am a law abiding citizen!

i agree 91.3 listener, he will be dealt with in the end!

posted at 2/27/2009 9:20:35 AM (5835)
missfit said:

many many people have terrible childhoods. Ever heard of David Pelzer who wrote " A child called it"? awesome book about a boy who went through many many years of torment from his own mother. Anyway he grew up to be a pulitzer prize winning authour. Not everyones childhood hinders their lives from being a productive and decent person in life. I think this guy in the article should indeed recieve the death penalty. he killed the lady and I dont think his childhood had one single thing to do with it-

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