Smith, formerly of Hanover Street, was convicted of aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated robbery for the May 1995 double murder of Lewis and Ruth Ray by a jury that also recommended the death penalty. Former Butler County Common Pleas Judge Anthony Valen sentenced Smith to die, according to court records.
Lewis Ray, 58, and his wife, Ruth, 54, were found by Hamilton police inside their Grand Boulevard home on May 12, 1995.
Lewis Ray died after his throat was cut while Ruth Ray died of strangulation, according to police.
Smith’s lawyers said Wednesday they were pleased the state is changing its policies to accommodate Smith.
Attorney Carol Wright added that the defense still believes there are issues with Ohio’s lethal injection process that need to be resolved.
According to Hamilton police, the Rays knew Smith and his brother Raleigh Randall Smith, who both went to the residence to rob the couple.
For his part in the slayings, Raleigh Randall Smith, 46, formerly of Hampshire Drive, is serving two terms of life in prison without parole eligibility for 30 years for aggravated murder and complicity to aggravated murders. He also is serving 15 to 25 years each for aggravated robbery and complicity to aggravated robbery.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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