Taft grants 4th delay in execution

COLUMBUS (AP) -- Gov. Bob Taft on Monday delayed for the fourth time the execution of a man convicted of killing a postmistress so investigators can try to match DNA evidence to other suspects.
Attorney General Jim Petro last week asked Taft's legal staff to postpone for 120 days, and possibly longer, the execution of John Spirko, 60, who was to be executed July 19.
Taft has delayed the execution on three previous occasions at Petro's request, twice for 60 days and most recently for six months. Spirko originally was to die Sept. 19, 2005, for the 1982 abduction and slaying of Betty Jane Mottinger, 48, the postmaster in Elgin in northwestern Ohio.
Testing
Spirko asked Petro for DNA testing on hair found on duct tape wrapped around the tarp in which Mottinger's body was found. On March 13, he requested testing on additional evidence, including 30 to 100 cigarette butts recovered from the Elgin post office, where Mottinger was kidnapped.
"It is my hope that the additional time permits the completion of the DNA testing and analysis agreed upon by the Attorney General and Mr. Spirko's counsel," Taft said in a statement.
Petro told Taft said he believes the 120 days should be enough to finish the investigation.
Courts at all levels have upheld the conviction and death sentence, but Spirko claims he is innocent and his attorneys say the evidence against him is thin.