Parole board: Execution should proceed

COLUMBUS (AP) -- The Ohio Parole Board on Friday recommended against clemency for a death row inmate who strangled his cellmate, beat his head on the floor and then laughed while paramedic tried to revive him.
Gov. Ted Strickland could accept the unanimous recommendation or spare Christopher Newton, 37, who killed Jason Brewer, 27, as they shared a cell at the Mansfield Correctional Institution in 2001.
Strickland, a Democrat who took office last month, has postponed the executions of three inmates including Newton while he reviews their cases. Newton's execution, originally scheduled for Feb. 27, is now set for May 24.
If Strickland grants clemency, Newton's sentence could be reduced or he could be released. Gov. Bob Taft granted clemency in 2003 to an inmate over concerns about evidence presented to the jury. Jerome Campbell is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Newton's attorneys said he has opted not to pursue appeals thus far and has no pending legal proceedings.