Killer will get special pillow for execution
Ohio prison officials will allow Alva Campbell to lie on a wedge-shaped pillow when he’s executed.
Campbell, who is suffering from multiple illnesses, is scheduled to be put to death Wednesday at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility near Lucasville. Among his aliments are pulmonary problems that would make it difficult for him to lie flat on the execution table without choking.
Medical professionals also have had difficulty finding suitable veins in Campbell’s arms and legs for an IV to carry the chemicals that would kill him. Corrections officials are working on those problems, a spokeswoman said.
“At this time, (the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction) intends to use a wedge-shaped pillow on the gurney at Mr. Campbell’s execution,” JoEllen Smith said in an email. “Mr. Campbell’s medical condition and history are being assessed and considered in order to identify any necessary accommodations or contingencies for his execution.”
Campbell has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the execution. David
Stebbins, Campbell’s attorney, said Monday the high court had not said whether it would consider the request.
“I’ve gotten (responses) as late as the night before” an execution, Stebbins said.
Campbell, 69, is scheduled to die for the 1997 kidnapping and murder of 18-yearold Charles Dials in Columbus. Campbell overpowered a deputy sheriff and took her gun after faking paralysis, and he then carjacked Dials’ vehicle before killing him.
At the time, Campbell probably was headed back to prison for committing armed robberies while on parole for a 1972 aggravated murder. When Campbell committed that murder, he was on parole for shooting a police officer.
Last month, the Parole Board recommended against clemency after a hearing in which Campbell’s attorneys based much of their appeal on extreme abuse the condemned man suffered as a child. Gov. John Kasich agreed with that recommendation.