The parole board's recommendation is just that:  a suggestion for Governor Ted Strickland who has the power to reject that recommendation and stop the exeuction, currently scheduled for April 7th. 

 

Assistant Federal Public Defender David Stebbins is disappointed and doesn't think the board considered his arguments, which include suggestions that Hartman is innocent.

 

"It appears that all of the claims were just rejected out of hand," said Stebbins.

LISTEN to David Stebbins explain his frustration

 

Stebbins says Strickland allows botyh sides to made additional presentations and include information that the parole board may not have heard during its hearing. 

 

Summit Count Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh says the board did the right thing.

 

"Brett Hartman commited just a horrible, vicious murder," said Walsh. 

 

LISTEN to the prosecutor's reaction

 

She says it's important for the sentence to be carried out because there's "sound reason to ignore the decision of this jury."

 

Click here to read the Ohio Parole Board's report on Brett Hartman's clemency request.
(NOTE:  this report contains some graphic material)

 

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh reiterated what she said during Hartman's clemency hearing, "Brett Hartman has tried to emphasize the good things he has done during his incarceration. That may well be, but no amount of good deeds can erase the horror and brutality of the crime committed by the defendant. After all this time, Brett Hartman still has not shown any remorse for killing Winda Snipes and he certainly showed no mercy when he tortured and killed her. He refuses to accept responsibility. The evidence has continuously pointed to one thing; Brett Xavier Hartman killed Winda Snipes. I am pleased with the recommendation of the parole board.

On September 9, 1997, Brett Hartman brutally murdered Winda Snipes. Winda was beaten, stabbed one hundred thirty-eight times, strangled, her throat was cut, and her hands -- which have never been found -- were cut off.