FEAR AS RICHEY BLASTS TRIAL
beyond belief and any comprehension at all.”
The ex-Edinburgh resident was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder in Ohio in 1987.
He was found guilty of starting a fire in an apartment block that killed two-year-old Cynthia Collins, who lived in the same building.
Richey was freed from Death Row in 2008 after years of campaigning by supporters in the US and in Scotland – striking a plea deal where he pleaded “no contest” to the manslaughter of Cynthia. Now he claims the publicity surrounding his time on Death Row and eventual release means he can’t get a fair trial in Ohio.
He wrote: “The publicity in this county and surrounding area over the years has been immense and made me well known and even hated.
“A fair and impartial jury in this case would be impossible in Putnam County. To deny me a change of venue is to deny me a fair trial.
“Exactly what this court and the prosecution are seeking. More of Putnam County’s corruption at play.”
He added: “You twist and abuse the laws that you each took an oath to protect and uphold. Obviously my so-called attorney is working with the state against me.
“So, I request he be removed as my lawyer and that he be replaced by counsel that is willing to perform their legal duties and represent me properly.
“I, at no time, as claimed in the charges of the false indictments of the state, have ever threatened Basinger or any public official. These false charges are nothing less than the state’s attempt to harass me. Abusing your public position of power seems to be a favourite past-time of Putnam County officials.
“How disgraceful and extremely dishonourable. I am truly disgusted.”
Basinger was involved in the 1986 prosecution of Richey over the death of Cynthia. Giving evidence in the latest trial, the ex-prosecutor became emotional as he discussed the threats made against him four times in 2019.
He said: “I had to tell my children that Kenneth Richey was threatening to kill their children.”
Basinger also told how Richey had said “that motherf ***** who took my life is gonna die. He and his family”, in a Facebook rant.
Richey is due to be sentenced for his latest conviction on August 14.
Authorities in Ohio have been contacted for comment on Richey’s claims.