"Killer pleads for life; families ask for death sentence," is David Murray's report for the Great Falls Tribune.
"It is not our intent here today to in any way minimize the significance or severity of the crimes committed by Mr. Smith," said anti-death penalty attorney Ron Waterman at the beginning of the hearing. "Simply, it is a request for mercy."
Mercy and justice were central issues of the Ronald Smith clemency hearing in Deer Lodge on Wednesday. Does Smith's behavior in prison over the past 29 years warrant mercy on behalf of the criminal justice system? Was the severity of his crimes so heinous that the cause of justice demands the end of his life?
On Wednesday, a panel of three representatives from the Montana Board of Pardons and Paroles were asked to weigh the evidence pertaining to these questions. They will now have 30 days to deliver their answer.
Smith is the admitted gunman to two, cold-blooded murders in the summer of 1982.
And:
For eight hours on Wednesday, witnesses both supporting and opposed to clemency for Smith told their stories at the Powell County Courthouse. For most of that time, Smith, the admitted gunman in the murder of two Blackfeet men nearly 30 years ago, sat quietly and without a display of emotion. One by one, the witnesses rose to deliver their testimony. From a clinical psychologist, to a retired prison guard, from the former prosecutor who convicted Smith of homicide, to the still grieving families of the victims, each and every one told their stories.
More than 20 witnesses spoke to the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole. Their testimony will inform the board's decision on whether to grant Smith's request to reduce his sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Board chairman Michael McKee said the decision will hinge on whether the board members conclude that Smith's rehabilitation and remorse is genuine.
"Death row Canadian cries at mercy hearing as sister reads letter about mother," is Bill Graveland's Canadian Press post, via the Toronto Star.
The only Canadian on death row in the United States broke down and cried at his clemency hearing in Montana on Wednesday.
Ronald Smith’s sister Rita Duncan was reading a letter he wrote to their mother after her death last year.
Smith covered his eyes, brushed away his tears and was patted on the shoulder by his lawyer.
Duncan said Smith has always loved her and she is proud to be his sister.
Smith’s daughter, Carmen Blackburn, also cried as she talked about her father and his remorse. She said she wishes she could take away the pain she can see behind his eyes.
Smith is asking the Board of Pardons and Parole to recommend his death sentence for killing two men in Montana 30 years ago be commuted.
A psychologist told the hearing that Smith is a model prisoner and poses little threat to the people around him. Dr. Bowman Smelko said Smith has shown improvement during his time in prison, and his cognitive ability has jumped 16 points from low to high average.
“He was not exposed to drugs and alcohol. He was not exposed to chaos. He has demonstrated significant change in attitude, thoughts and behaviour,” Smelko said. “He is what would be considered a model prisoner in the modern setting.”
Smelko added that Smith has shown remorse about what he did.
The hearing has also heard that Smith is well-liked by prison guards. Two are expected to testify on his behalf.
The hearing, which represents Smith’s final fight for life, began with a last-minute addition to the witness list.
The hearing heard that a Canadian consular official based in Denver plans to read a statement from the government asking the board to spare Smith’s life. Ottawa had already written a letter favouring clemency, but critics say the government’s support has been tepid.
"Canadian consular official will call for double-murderer Ronald Smith to be spared death penalty," is by Jason van Rassel for Canada's National Post.
The dramatic testimony came during the first morning of a two-day clemency hearing at the Powell County courthouse for Smith, who was sentenced to death for the 1982 shooting deaths of Harvey Mad Man and Thomas Running Rabbit.
Relatives of Mad Man and Running Rabbit, cousins from the Blackfeet Indian reservation, filled one side of the courtroom and watched impassively as Smith’s sister, Rita Duncan, began her testimony by turning to face them and offering condolences.
“Our hearts have broken along with yours,” said Duncan, who told the gallery her brother is a changed man.
“The Ron Smith who is sitting in front of you today is not the same man who committed those crimes 29 years ago.”
Smith, 54, is the only Canadian facing execution in the U.S., and Canada’s official opposition to the death penalty has given the case an added political dimension and subjected it to scrutiny on both sides of the border.
Earlier coverage of Ronald Smith's case begins at the link.
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