Murderer will plead for mercy
On death row, Albertan Ronald Smith to address parole board
DEERLODGE, MONT. —Convicted double murderer Ronald Smith will make a personal plea for mercy to a Montana parole board that will recommend whether the Albertan will be executed or have his sentence commuted to life in prison.
The 30-year-legal odyssey that began after Smith was sentenced to death for killing cousins Harvey Mad Man and Thomas Running Rabbit in 1982 will edge closer to its end with a clemency hearing beginning today.
“I’m going to get up there and whatever my heart dictates to me, then I’m going to say it,” he said.
Smith, 54, was hesitant to reveal what he plans to say. “I want it to be spontaneous,” he said.
The three-person board will hear evidence over two days from a variety of witnesses for and against Smith’s application. The board will forward a non-binding recommendation to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who will make the ultimate decision.
Montana law dictates inmates seeking clemency must demonstrate “extended period of exemplary performance” while in prison.
During his 30 years in prison, Smith has completed high school and nurtured relationships with his dad, his sisters, his adult daughter and his grandchildren.
“I just recently came to the realization Thomas Running Rabbit has a daughter, about the same age as my own,” Smith said. “I can look at how difficult this has been for my own daughter and I’ve come to realize how even more difficult it’s been for her. I would give anything to be able to take this back.”
But to relatives of the victims planning to testify, the question of whether Smith has changed is irrelevant. “He asked for the death penalty, he was given the death penalty and that’s what needs to happen,” said their aunt, Marie Talks About.
Although Smith and his legal team were discouraged by lukewarm lobbying efforts by the Canadian government, one of his lawyers said the case for clemency doesn’t turn on it. “The entire focus is going to be that he’s a changed man,” said Greg Jackson.