US News
Ohio Parole Board recommends commuting death row inmate Tyrone Noling's sentence to life
The decision now rests with Governor Mike DeWine, who has the authority to grant a pardon, commute the sentence, or delay execution.
The short version
- The Ohio Parole Board voted to recommend commuting death row prisoner Tyrone Noling's sentence to life in prison with parole eligibility in 2029.
- Noling was convicted in 1996 for the 1990 murders of Bearnhardt and Cora Hartig, but maintains his innocence and requested a full pardon.
- The ultimate clemency decision sits with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who can pardon Noling, commute his sentence, or issue a stay of execution.
Key facts
- The Ohio Parole Board voted 5-2 in favor of recommending a commuted life sentence with parole eligibility as early as 2029 for Tyrone Noling, with one additional board member favoring a full pardon.[NBC News]
- Noling was sentenced to death in 1996 for the 1990 fatal shootings of Bearnhardt and Cora Hartig in Atwater Township, Ohio.[NBC News]
- No physical evidence or murder weapon was ever found linking Noling to the crime scene.[NBC News]
- Three key witnesses who testified against Noling later recanted their statements, stating that law enforcement officers pressured them.[NBC News]
- Attorneys with the Ohio Innocence Project uncovered withheld police notes pointing to alternative suspects and a 1991 blood-typing lab report regarding a cigarette butt found at the scene.[NBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether Governor Mike DeWine will accept the board's recommendation, issue a full pardon, or take other executive action.[NBC News]