Attack survivor wants condemned Ohio killer's life spared

COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio man says the state should set aside the death sentence of a hitchhiker who attacked him in 1983 and later fatally shot another man.

Bruce Graham tells the Ohio Patrol Board in a letter that he does not think one more life taken would solve anything.

Graham was driving to Cincinnati in June 1983 when he stopped to pick up Michael Beuke. Beuke pulled out a gun, ordered Graham to drive him to a secluded area, and shot him when he stopped the car.

Almost three decades later, Beuke faces execution next month for a related fatal shooting. Graham has forgiven his attacker and wants him spared.

The parole board unanimously denied Graham’s request for mercy earlier this month. The final decision is before Gov. Ted Strickland.