Rep. Upchurch's Statement on Keith LaMar's Fight for Clemency

COLUMBUS – State Representative Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) today released the following statement after Keith LaMar’s clemency rally on Friday:

“The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that no state shall 'deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.'

Fair criminal processes are essential to the administration of justice in the United States of America, for both the alleged victims and alleged offenders of crime. In trusting Ohio’s legal system, we trust that essential evidence will be presented, testimonies will be truthful, and physical evidence will be valued. Keith LaMar was sentenced to the death penalty in Ohio in 1995, and his attorneys wish for more time to ensure he receives due process under the court of law.

The 2011 Joint Task Force to Review the Administration of Ohio's Death Penalty recommends that "no one should be indicted, let alone sentenced to death, based solely on the uncorroborated testimony of jailhouse informants." In following this recommendation, Keith deserves a fair trial. His attorneys deserve to present all evidence to the court. 

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 hearing for Keith LaMar. The Governor should also further delay his execution date so the process of requesting a new trial can continue. The execution is currently scheduled for January 16, 2030.  This date is in place due to a previous reprieve granted by Governor DeWine.

Ohioans value justice. Keith’s initial trial did not reflect how justice should be administered in the state of Ohio. Governor DeWine’s initial reprieve demonstrates his dedication to ensuring constitutional protections for Ohioans. We ask him for a thorough clemency review and consideration of how he as Governor can ensure Keith receives the due process under the law of which he is entitled.”