August 17, 2007

Arkansas

Death Row Inmate Makes Plea For Freedom Before Board

THV & The Associated Press

A death row inmate who is to be executed Sept. 18 asked the state parole
board to block his execution Friday morning during an executive clemency
hearing.

Lawyers for Terrick Nooner say that new analysis of that videotape of the
slaying and new evidence that Nooner has mental illness should warrant
postponement of the execution.

An expert hired by the defense says the killer on the videotape was 5'-6,"
not 5'-9," as is Nooner. Public defender Julie Brain says Nooner's former
co-defendant in the killing, Robert Rocket, is 5'-6", and he has already
confessed in writing to the crime. Rocket is serving a life sentence.

Nooner appeared before the board shackled and handcuffed with guards
standing by. Nooner told the board that he did not kill Scot Stobaugh, 22.
He said he didn't remember whether he was with Rocket the night of the
killing.

Nooner told the board that he has been attacked in prison and fears for his
safety because nothing has been done about it. He added that he dropped his
appeals because of this. (See story links below picture.)

Board chairman LeRoy Brownlee says they should have a decision later today.
Stobaugh's family has the opportunity to go before the board at 2 p.m.

Alyson Courtney is following this story and will have the latest today on
Today's THV and todaysthv.com.

Stobaugh attended the university in Little Rock and was doing laundry when
he was shot and killed in 1993.

---

Source : THV & The Associated Press

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=51358