Condemned killer Hill receives two new lawyers to aid defense

WARREN -- A Trumbull County Common Pleas Court visiting judge has appointed two new attorneys to help in the defense of convicted child killer Danny Lee Hill.
The 11th District Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 27 that the lower court will determine if Hill is competent to drop the appeal regarding whether or not he is mentally retarded.
Hill, of Warren, was sentenced to death in 1986 at age 19. He was convicted of the 1985 torture and murder of 12-year-old Raymond Fife.
On Feb. 14, visiting Judge Thomas P. Curran ruled that Hill was not mentally retarded. Hill had previously contended he is.
In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled execution of the retarded is cruel and unusual punishment, even in past cases.
Hill wants to drop his appeal and asked that a competency hearing be held in common pleas court.
Judge Curran has now appointed Dr. Thomas G. Gazley, a Youngstown psychologist, to examine Hill.
In addition, he has appointed Attys. Walter T. Madison and Scott A. Rilley, both of Akron, to represent Hill for a Dec. 7 hearing.
Judge Curran will have to determine at the hearing if Hill is competent to make decisions about his legal representation on the appeal to the 11th District Court, and also his ability to waive his right to that appeal.