Rep. Abdullahi's Statement on Keith LaMar

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) today is calling attention to the case of Keith LaMar, an Ohio death row inmate who has spent more than three decades incarcerated following his conviction in connection with the 1993 Lucasville prison uprising.

LaMar’s conviction relied heavily on testimony from jailhouse informants, without physical evidence directly linking him to the crimes. Concerns have also been raised regarding the credibility of those witnesses, including alleged incentives provided in exchange for their testimony and the alleged withholding of potentially exculpatory evidence by the prosecution.

Rep. Abdullahi noted the following: 

“We cannot allow serious questions about someone's rights to go unanswered simply because time has passed. Keith LaMar deserves the opportunity to have those questions heard.

A person's right to a fair trial should never depend on the severity of the accusation against them or the number of years they have spent behind bars. Due process is a fundamental promise of our justice system, and it is our responsibility as elected officials to ensure that promise is upheld.

We ask that Governor Mike DeWine defend Keith's rights to due process and equal protection of the laws by requesting the Ohio Parole Board grant a prompt clemency bearing for Keith LaMar. The Governor should also further delay his execution date so the process of requesting a new trial can continue.”