Judge denies death-row inmate’s request after witnesses say governor’s office didn’t pressure Clemency Board
A federal judge on Tuesday refused a death-row prisoner’s request to disqualify the Board of Executive Clemency from hearing his plea for mercy, finding that he didn’t prove that the governor’s office pressured board members to pursue a tough-on-crime policy.
3 new appointees on clemency board; long-time chief out
Duane Belcher, chairman and executive director of the Arizona Board of Clemency, is on his way out after 20 years, as three new appointees take their places on the panel now made up entirely of Gov. Jan Brewer’s picks. Belcher’s departure, some observers say, creates a vacuum of experience and leadership. Belcher is also one of the last members left from a board that unanimously recommended[...]