Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the pending clemency application of John Fautenberry:

“As a result of his conviction for aggravated murder, the Ohio Supreme Court has scheduled the execution of Mr. John Fautenberry for July 14, 2009 at 10 a.m.  I have completed my review of Mr. Fautenberry’s request for executive clemency.

“In making my determination, my staff and I reviewed the record of proceedings and the evidence presented in Mr. Fautenberry’s case, the judicial decisions regarding Mr. Fautenberry’s conviction, Mr. Fautenberry’s request for executive clemency and arguments presented for and against the clemency request by the Hamilton County Prosecutor and Mr. Fautenberry’s attorneys, as well as other materials forwarded by Mr. Fautenberry’s attorneys.

“We have also reviewed photographs, audio recordings, media reports, letters and emails received in the Governor’s Office regarding this matter, and the unanimous recommendation against clemency forwarded to me by the Ohio Parole Board on June 24, 2009 along with the exhibits presented at the Parole Authority’s hearing and letters received by the Parole Board regarding Mr. Fautenberry’s clemency request.

“Based on this review, I have decided to deny Mr. Fautenberry’s application for executive clemency.”