We, the undersigned, together with the family and friends of Richard Nields, urge Governor Strickland to commute Nields’ death sentence. 

Richard Nields was convicted of the 1997 murder of Patricia Newsome and sentenced to death. 

The parole board recommends to Gov. Ted Strickland grant clemency for Richard Nields.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the facts in the case "just barely get Nields over the death threshold."

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul E. Pfeifer wrote a strong dissenting opinion when the case was decided in 2002.

"The type of crime Nields did is not the type of crime the General Assembly did contemplate or should have contemplated as a death penalty offense...It is about alcoholism, rage and rejection and about Nields' inability to cope with any of them. It is a crime of passion imbued with pathos and reeking of alcohol."

Richard Nields’ sentence should be commuted.

Action petitioned for:  We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge Governor Strickland to flollow the parole board's recommendation and commute the sentence of Richard Nields to life without parole.