The Fair Punishment Project's August 30th report examined 26 cases involving individuals facing executions in Ohio, finding that these individuals are "among the most impaired and traumatized." The study relies on legal pleadings, court opinions, and trial testimony.  

According to their findings: "at least 17 out of the 26 men experienced serious childhood trauma – horrifying instances of extensive physical and sexual abuse. At least six men appear to suffer from a mental illness, and at least 11 have evidence of intellectual disability, borderline intellectual disability, or a cognitive impairment, including brain injury."

The report also reveals that a few individuals were under the age of 21, "a period during which an individual’s brain, especially the section related to impulse control and decision-making, is still underdeveloped," according to The Fair Punishment Project. 

Ohio recently lifted its three and a half year moratorium on July 26, 2017 after executing Ronald Phillips at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. The state plans to execute another inmate, Gary Otte, on September 13, 2017. 

More information about the report can be found on the Fair Punishment Project's website: fairpunishment.org

Tags: #lethal injection, #News, #Ohio