Hartman, convicted of the gruesome crime, says he didn't do it.  He accuses prosecutors of withholding evidence and state witnesses of lying on the stand.  DNA and other evidence links Hartman to the crime scene and he spent time with the victim just hours before her death by his own admission.  Admitting guilt and showing remorse are often key elements the Ohio Parole Board cites when making clemency recommendations.  Hartman did neither and told AkronNewsNow that he couldn't.

  

  

"It would be wrong for me to do it because then ultimately, the case would go down as me being the murderer and they would never find who killed Winda, which I think is just as important," said Hartman. 

 

 

Hartman, handcuffed in the front, seemed a little nervous when we shook hands but sounded confident and logical when we talked about the evidence used against him in the case.  Some might have expected a rambling, angry man quick to blame conspiracy for his conviction and sentence.  Instead, there was little visible emotion - until he talked about his family.    

 

 

Hartman was choked up and paused more than once when talking about his mother, who he says was admitted to a hospital three days ago for a "stress-induced medical condition." 

 

A medical condition that he believes is prompted by his incarceration and possible execution. 

 

He has other family members, including the aunt who raised him for several years and two sisters, one of whom has launched a Web site designed to garner support - financial and otherwise - that she hopes will eventually free her brother.  That's why Hartman agreed to today's interview.

 

"I want to raise awareness about my case," said Hartman.

 

Governor Ted Strickland now has the authority to stop the execution and he's reviewing the Ohio Parole Board's clemency report - complete with the "unfavorable" recommendation.  Attorneys say litigation is possible as well.