Ohio judge overturns dying inmate’s conviction in wife’s death

NORWALK, Ohio (AP) — A judge has thrown out the conviction of a dying Ohio inmate who has spent the last two decades in prison for allegedly killing his wife in 1981.

A judge ruled Thursday that Huron County prosecutors withheld evidence that would have helped attorneys for 78-year-old James Parsons. The judge ordered a new trial and says Parsons can be released without bond Monday.

A message seeking comment from the county prosecutor wasn’t immediately returned today.

Parsons has terminal cancer, congestive heart disease and dementia and will be moved to a nursing home.

He was arrested in 1993 and convicted in the slaying of his wife, Barbara, who died after she was struck 15 times in the head with a heavy object. Parsons said he was away from home that day.