Outgoing governor taking no action on clemency for Ronald Smith
CALGARY — A lawyer says Montana’s outgoing governor will not be granting clemency to Canadian death row inmate Ronald Smith before he leaves office.
Ron Waterman from the American Civil Liberties Union says he has been informed by Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s office that there will be no action taken in the case.
The matter now falls into the hands of Steve Bullock, who takes over as governor today.
Waterman said he is disappointed but not surprised.
Smith has been on death row for more than 30 years for the 1982 murders of Thomas Running Rabbit and Harvey Mad Man Jr. near East Glacier, Mont.
Smith, originally from Red Deer, Alta., initially asked for the death penalty but changed his mind and has been fighting for his life ever since.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.