Court to hear fee debate in Cleveland killings

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered a lower court to decide a debate over fees paid to attorneys of a Cleveland man who killed 11 women.

Attorney John Parker is challenging a decision by a Cuyahoga County judge to cap attorney’s fees in the case of serial killer Anthony Sowell. Parker says it resulted in an hourly rate of only $18.50 for a 10-week trial.

Parker argues lawyers must be fairly compensated, especially in capital cases, and also says the fees issue could be used by Sowell for an ineffective counsel claim.

Prosecutors say because the cap was imposed after trial, no such claim could be brought.

The Supreme Court ruled today that a Cleveland appeals court should decide.

Sowell killed 11 women between June 2007 and July 2009.