RE: Eddie Belton ID#:  A219563

On September 23, 1989, Eddie Belton decided he wanted to rape someone.  He chose Mary Eileen Hughes Cornwell (23), a teacher at the Southern Ohio Business College.  He followed her to her office after she had started a test under the guise of asking a question.  He brutally raped her, then realized he would not get away with it and strangled her with her own belt.  She fought back, breaking 7 of her beautiful long nails. He then proceeded to steal her jewelry – her wedding ring, engagement ring, bracelets, and necklaces.  He fled the scene but was identified by one of Mary’s co-workers as a former student as he exited Mary’s office after locking the door.  Mary was only married for 18 months before her rape and murder. 

Eddie Belton was originally charged with a capital offense and in order to avoid the death penalty, he pled guilty and was sentenced to 30 years to life for Aggravated Murder, Rape and Aggravated Robbery.  He will have served only 29 years when he is considered for parole.   

We, the undersigned STRONGLY OPPOSE parole for Eddie Belton. Justice demands he serves the full prison term given to him at the time he was sentenced for this heinous crime.