Ohio Parole Board rejects mercy for condemned killer

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Parole Board has rejected a plea for mercy from a condemned killer who raped and stabbed a 14-year-old girl more than two decades ago.

The eight-member board recommended unanimously today that Gov. Ted Strickland deny clemency to Romell Broom of Cleveland, who is scheduled to die Sept. 15.

Broom was convicted of abducting Tryna Middleton at knifepoint on Sept. 21, 1984 in Cleveland, raping her and stabbing her seven times.

Broom argued he needs time to prove his innocence now that a state appeals court has granted him a chance to argue that key evidence was withheld during his trial.

Prosecutors say a federal judge already has ruled that the evidence would not have made a difference at trial.