17 December 2012 :

The Ohio Parole Board (5-3) recommended clemency for Ronald Post, 53, white, saying his legal representation was ineffective when he pleaded no contest in the Dec. 15, 1983 murder of motel clerk Helen Vantz. Post is currently scheduled for execution on January 16, 2013 and is arguing in federal court that he is too obese to be put to death humanely. Post's original attorney advised him to plead no contest to the charges against him, with the expectation that he would receive a life sentence. Instead, Post was sentenced to death. Despite his plea, Post has maintained his innocence, and there was evidence of other suspects involved in the crime. The final clemency decision is up to Gov. John Kasich.