Brown’s final hours spent on phone with family

LUCASVILLE — Mark Aaron Brown spent much of the day and night on the phone in the hours leading up to his execution.

He spoke to a half a dozen different women, including his attorney, a sister and two who are the mothers of his children, said Julie Walburn, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

He also had contact visits with a brother and his spiritual adviser for several hours Wednesday evening.

His attorney was on site and informed him of Gov. Ted Strickland’s decision to deny clemency at about 7 p.m.

“It’s noted that the visit turned emotional at that time,” Walburn said.

Brown ate part of his special meal during the evening, including a bacon double cheeseburger and onion rings. He did not eat a requested T-bone steak Wednesday night, nor did he request anything for breakfast.

He slept for about an hour and a half, waking up just before 6:30, then had cell-front visits with his attorney and spiritual adviser.

Brown was convicted in the 1994 shooting deaths of Isam Salman and Hayder Al-Turk at the Midway Market in Youngstown. He has continued to say he does not remember killing Salman, whose murder prompted the death sentence. He admitted shooting Al-Turk and was sentenced to life in prison.

His execution is scheduled for 10 a.m., pending any last-minute legal action. His attorney, Rachel Troutman, and spiritual adviser, Chester Phillips, will witness on his behalf.

Salman’s family members were still determining who would witness on behalf of the victim. Walburn said 16-20 family members are expected to be at the prison. Three will watch as Brown dies.