Death row inmate wants 2 justices off new review

COLUMBUS (AP) — A condemned killer says the perception that two Ohio Supreme Court justices upheld his death sentence in the heat of their campaigns warrants a review of his case.

At issue is the court’s 4-3 ruling last month in an appeal by Ashford Thompson, who fatally shot Twinsburg officer Joshua Miktarian in 2008.

Thompson’s attorney said in a Monday filing that public confidence is undermined by a ruling so close to Election Day.

Atty. Rachel Troutman says commercials for Republican justices Judi French and Sharon Kennedy included references to the candidates’ support for and by law enforcement.

Troutman wants the justices to step aside to remove the appearance of impropriety and for the court to reconsider the case.

Messages were left for Justice Kennedy. Justice French declined comment.