Timothy Hancock: Granted a new sentencing hearing

Timothy Hancock: Granted a new sentencing hearing

Death row inmate Timothy Hancock will receive a new sentencing hearing. Mr. Hancock’s death sentence was vacated by the Ohio Supreme Court on Feb. 1, 2006.

After exhibits excluded from Mr. Hancock’s sentencing hearing improperly went to the jury during its sentencing deliberations, the trial court declared a mistrial and imposed a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. The State of Ohio appealed. The Court of Appeals, after finding that the trial court had abused its discretion, vacated Mr. Hancock’s life sentence and remanded his case to the trial court to re-weigh the aggravating circumstances and mitigating factors. On remand, the trial court imposed a death sentence.

On this appeal before the Ohio Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals’ decision was reversed. The Ohio Supreme Court found that the trial court had not abused its discretion in declaring a mistrial, and ordered that Mr. Hancock’s case be remanded for a new sentencing hearing.

Inquiries about this case may be directed to Mr. Hancock’s counsel, Joseph Wilhelm and Kelly Culshaw. The Ohio Supreme Court’s opinion may be accessed through the following link:

State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 2006-Ohio-106