HELENA — The Montana Parole Board on Monday recommended that a Canadian man on death row be denied clemency, saying "justice is best served" by continuing with the execution.
Ronald A. Smith's case now goes to Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who could either grant or deny him clemency or make no decision at all before leaving office at year's end. Smith is seeking life in prison without the possibility of parole — instead of the death sentence he now faces.
Smith is believed to be one of only two Canadians on death row in the United States.
He argues his original 1983 trial for shooting two Blackfeet cousins — in which he asked for and received the death penalty — was botched. His attorneys also have argued it is fundamentally unfair that Smith, of Red Deer, Alberta, be killed while an accomplice was long ago released on parole and returned to Canada.
The Montana Parole Board earlier this month heard testimony for a full day, with Smith's family tearfully pleading for his life. But Blackfeet tribal members and family of the victims argued the execution has been postponed for too long and say it is time for Smith to pay for his crimes.
The Canadian government, after some internal policy changes, is again asking Schweitzer to spare Smith's life.
Source: greatfallstriubune.com, May 22, 2012
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