Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, Ohio had its third botched execution in as many years. It is unacceptable to put people to death under a system that is fundamentally flawed. Please call Governor Ted Strickland and tell him to put an immediate stop to all executions indefinitely. His number is (614) 466-3555 or contact him electronically here. After over two hours of excruciating needling, the execution team could not locate a viable vein in Romell Broom to conduct the lethal injection. Governor Strickland delayed his execution for one week, so officials can devise a way to put him to death.

Broom’s failed execution follows the similar experiences of Joseph Clark in May 2006 and Christopher Newton in May 2007. If we continue using this system next week with Mr. Broom or the following month with the next condemned person, it is simply a question of when, not if, another horrible problem will occur. Please call Governor Strickland today and urge him to stop executions in Ohio.

PS – Please let us know once you have contacted Governor Strickland and if you receive a response. We can be reached at (216) 472-2200 or contact@acluohio.org.