Parole board rethinks freeing Ohio killer

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Parole Board is rethinking its decision to free a convicted killer who authorities say crafted a handcuffs key and used a gun made of paper and shoe polish to take hostages at a hospital where he was being treated in 1984.

Paul Brumfield is serving a 30-years-to-life sentence for 1976 convictions for murder, rape and other crimes. He was taken in 1984 to a Columbus hospital, where officials said he surrendered 12 hours after taking hostages. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Columbus Dispatch reports today that the parole board rescinded its decision after learning that some interested parties hadn’t had a chance to testify to the board about parole for the 63-year-old Brumfield.

The board has scheduled another hearing in March.