Ohio Republican Governor Wants Death Penalty Abolished

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, announced he now believes the state should abolish the death penalty, citing evidence that it does not deter violent crime.

His reversal marks a significant break with his party and comes as support for capital punishment declines nationally.

DeWine co-wrote the bill that reinstated Ohio's death penalty more than 45 years ago.

He now says capital punishment cannot be morally justified and urges the legislature to end it.