Attorneys for Ohio death row inmate Kevin Keith have presented new evidence casting doubt on his original conviction in briefs filed with the Ohio State Supreme Court. The Ohio Innocence Project has also asked for a new trial for Keith, supporting the claim that suppressed evidence points to another suspect who said he was paid to $15,000 to “cripple” the drug informant who was the victim of the shootings for which Keith was condemned to death. Additionally, Keith’s public defenders claim the prosecution knowingly used false evidence about an eyewitness identification that was used to link Keith to the murders.

The defendant has exhausted his ordinary state and federal appeals. Innocence claims by Ohio death row inmates are relatively rare. Keith has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout his 15 years on death row.

(A. Welsh-Huggins, “Condemned Ohio Killer of 3 Says He’s Innocent,” The Associated Press, June 30, 2009). See Innocence.