Recent News:
Feb. 7, 2006: Benner apologizes before execution in Ohio. http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/ncadp/news.jsp?key=2205
Jan. 30, 2006: Board suggests no clemency in Benner execution. http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/ncadp/news.jsp?key=2150&t=
Jan. 25, 2006: Letter from Glenn Benner to Clemency Board. http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/nation/13673763.htm
Jan. 17, 2006: Condemned killer blames crime on "power of drugs". http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=4374275
Do Not Execute Glenn Benner!
Glenn Benner, a white man, awaits execution for a series of killings that took place during a five month period in 1985 and 1986. Benner was convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering Cynthia Sedgwick, 26, in August 1985 in the woods near Akron. Benner also was convicted for the rape and murder of 21-year-old Trina Bowser in Akron in January of 1986. Benner was convicted and sentenced by a three-judge panel in Summit County Common Pleas Court.
Benner, now 43, is scheduled to be executed on Feb. 7 and says he will not ask for clemency. In a letter to state assistant attorney general Michael Collyer, Benner stated that he does not believe that the clemency process allows for the possibility that an inmate has changed or been rehabilitated in prison: “I know that I have changed, and I am now a new person, but sadly I am unable to change the past, so there does not seem to be (sic) a point in participating in such a hearing.” Benner also said that he would not ask for clemency to avoid causing further pain to the families of the victims.
In 1999, Ohio resumed executions and, since then, has only granted clemency once. Disturbingly, Governor Bob Taft said he was not familiar with either Benner or his case.
Please write Gov. Bob Taft requesting that he stop the execution of Glenn Benner!
