MENTAL RETARDATION HEARING Prosecution plays 1985 tape of killer

The prosecution witness is expected to continue testifying today.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- It's been 19 years since her son was brutally murdered, but Miriam Fife was still unable to watch a video of the killer talking about the case.
A videotape of Danny Lee Hill talking to city police in September 1985 was played in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court during a hearing Thursday to determine whether the defendant is mentally retarded.
Hill was convicted of killing Fife's son, Raymond, in 1985. The child was 12.
"I just couldn't take it," said Fife, who has sat through most of the hearing. "I had to leave."
The tape was entered into evidence by county Prosecutor Dennis Watkins and LuWayne Annos, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor.
The prosecutors believe Hill is not mentally retarded.
Dr. J. Gregory Olley, a psychologist from North Carolina hired by the prosecutors, and Dr. Nancy J. Huntsman, a psychologist from Youngstown, hired by the court, have both given written reports stating they don't believe Hill is mentally retarded.
Olley testified Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to be called to the stand again today.
Visiting Judge Thomas Patrick Curran of Cleveland is presiding over the hearing, which began Monday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
Court officials said they don't believe the hearing will be completed by the end of today and will most likely reconvene at the end of the month.
Judge Curran has to preside over another hearing next week, officials said.
What defense contends
Hill's attorneys contend their client is mentally retarded and should therefore be spared the death penalty.
An expert hired by the defense, Dr. David Hammer of Columbus, testified earlier in the week that he believes Hill is mentally retarded.
Hill, dressed in bright-orange coveralls, has sat quietly at the defense table during the proceedings.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that executing mentally retarded people constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is unconstitutional.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati delayed Hill's appeal process in August 2002 pending a ruling from a state court on his mental capacity.
Judge Curran is retired but is on special assignment by the state Supreme Court.
sinkovich@vindy.com