Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

NEWS RELEASE

December 31, 2009 For Immediate Release

MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT:  DRC Bureau of Communications (614) 752-1150

Execution of Inmate Vernon Smith, #288-960

(Columbus) – Officials at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) have confirmed that inmate Vernon Smith, #288-960 is scheduled for execution on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.  The execution will take place at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility located in Lucasville, Ohio.  The Ohio Revised Code mandates lethal injection as the manner of execution.

Inmate Vernon Smith was convicted out of Lucas County for the murder of Sohail Darwish on 5/26/93. 

BACKGROUND FACTS:

Name:                                         Vernon Smith

Race:                                           Black

DOB:                                           4/7/72

Crime(s):                                     Aggravated Murder, Aggravated Robbery

Sentence:                                    Death

County:                                         Lucas County

The execution could be delayed if there are any pending legal actions in the courts.