Sentencing hearing set for ex-death-row inmate

2/9/2008

A July 14 hearing date was set yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for Frederick Dickerson so a three-judge panel can hear testimony on whether the former death-row inmate once again should be sentenced to death.

Visiting Judge Richard Knepper set the date after consulting with defense attorneys and assistant prosecutors. The July date was the first available date for attorneys Jeffrey Helmick and David Doughton, who representg Dickerson.

Dickerson, 52, was convicted more than 20 years ago for the shooting deaths of Nichole McClain, 15, and Kevin McCoy, 31, in a Pinewood Avenue apartment. He was returned to Lucas County from death row after the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati decided he needed to be re-sentenced.

The three judges who decided Dickerson's case in 1985 will again determine his fate, including Judge Knepper, sitting Common Pleas Judge Charles Doneghy, and retired Judge George Glasser.

The appellate court upheld the murder convictions, but said Dickerson's attorney did not adequately raise issues that should have been considered for his sentencing.