08 August 2018 :

A Hamilton County jury has recommended the death penalty for serial killer Anthony Kirkland, 49, Black. He was previously sentenced to die by a jury that convicted him of his most recent 2 murders (see 31/03/2010). But Ohio's Supreme Court overturned that sentence in May 2016, citing comments made by the prosecutor at trial. The guilty verdict stood in his most recent trial, but a new jury was forced to decide if Kirkland died or spend life in prison. Kirkland admitted to killing 5 women and girls. He first murdered Leona Douglas in 1987. Following a 16-year prison term, he murdered an additional 4 women between 2006 and 2009. Casonya Crawford 14, was strangled by Kirkland and set on fire in May 2006. Mary Jo Newton was strangled and set on fire by Kirkland June 2006. A few months later, Kimya Rolison was stabbed to death then set on fire by Kirkland. Esme Kenney 13, was killed in March 2009. She was jogging when Krikland attacked her, strangled her, then burned her body.