"Consistent Torture": Keith LaMar Speaks from Death Row After Receiving 3-Year Execution Reprieve

Democracy Now!

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Video Summary

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has granted a three-year reprieve to Keith Lamar, a death row inmate, citing the difficulty in obtaining lethal injection drugs. This decision comes as DeWine himself has expressed doubts about the death penalty's efficacy as a deterrent, stating, "I no longer believe the death penalty is a deterrent to murder." Lamar, who has spent over 30 years in solitary confinement, was sentenced for murders during the 1993 Lucasville Prison Uprising. He and his legal team maintain his innocence, pointing to a flawed trial with an all-white jury and withheld evidence. Despite the reprieve, Lamar reports ongoing harassment and mistreatment within prison, including chemical spraying and food tampering, which he believes is sanctioned by the administration.

Short Highlights

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has granted a three-year reprieve to Keith Lamar, delaying his execution.
DeWine cited the difficulty in procuring lethal injection drugs and expressed personal doubts about the death penalty as a deterrent.
Keith Lamar maintains his innocence in the 1993 Lucasville Prison Uprising murders, alleging a wrongful conviction.
Lamar reports severe mistreatment and harassment in prison, including chemical spraying and food tampering, since his initial reprieve.
His legal team is actively uncovering new evidence of his innocence and preparing to file motions to vacate his conviction.
Supporters are petitioning Governor DeWine to pardon Lamar before his term ends.

Key Details

Governor DeWine's Reprieve and Stance on Death Penalty [00:00]

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued reprieves for three death row inmates, delaying their executions until 2030.
The governor cited the difficulty in obtaining lethal injection drugs as the reason for the reprieves.
DeWine also stated his personal belief that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to murder.

"It is today impossible to make the case that the death penalty is a deterrent."

Keith Lamar's Case and Conviction [00:00]

Keith Lamar is one of the inmates who received a reprieve, granting his legal team more time.
He was sentenced to death for murders during the 1993 Lucasville Prison Uprising.
Lamar and his attorneys claim he is innocent and was wrongfully convicted.
His trial was held in a remote Ohio community before an all-white jury.

"I was on the recreation yard when it all began."

Lamar's Account of the Prison Uprising [00:00]

Lamar described the chaos of the uprising, starting with a guard being attacked.
He entered a building to retrieve belongings and found it used as a hostage area.
He was given the option to participate or leave, and he chose to leave.

"When I made it to my assigned location, I discovered that it was being used as a holding area for hostages, both guards and prisoners."

Legal Proceedings and Allegations [00:00]

Lamar's name was mentioned as a potential suspect because he entered the hostage area without a mask.
Despite not being affiliated with gangs involved in the riot, his prior murder conviction influenced the decision to indict him.
He was ultimately charged with nine counts of aggravated murder.

"Ultimately, I was charged with nine counts of aggravated murder."

Lamar's Experience Post-Reprieve [00:00]

Lamar described ongoing torture since the last reprieve, including chemical spraying around his cell.
He has been unable to eat breakfast or lunch for over three years due to chemicals in his food.
He believes guards are trying to push him to suicide, citing a friend's recent suicide due to similar treatment.

"Guards have been spraying chemicals in and around my cell."

Legal Strategy and Call for Pardon [00:00]

Lamar's attorneys are uncovering evidence withheld for three decades, hoping the reprieve will allow courts to consider their motions more seriously.
Supporters are calling on Governor DeWine to pardon Lamar before his term ends in January.
A petition at KeithLamar.org/petition urges the governor to review the case and act morally.

"We're asking and calling on as many of your viewers and anyone they can share it with to sign the petition to Governor DeWine, asking him to look into this case and do the right thing, do the moral thing."