Overview
- Prosecutor Connie Pillich said modern forensic testing ruled Jones out as a suspect and that thousands of pages of materials were not produced to the defense at trial.
- Following a months-long review of evidence and filings, Pillich said she is not convinced Jones killed Rhoda Nathan and closed the case with prejudice.
- Jones was convicted in 1996 and spent roughly 27 years on death row before a judge granted him a new trial in 2022 over undisclosed evidence.
- An appeal launched under former prosecutor Melissa Powers was still active when the Ohio Supreme Court ordered reconsideration, and Justice Joe Deters recused.
- Pillich notified Nathan’s family, who expressed grief and anger, and she announced plans for a Conviction Integrity Unit as advocates counted Jones as Ohio’s 12th death-row clearance.