Dead End - A reporter's struggle with Capital Punishment

If I were asked what my passions were, I would have to say number one is saving abused animals and two, ending capital punishment. I am a firm believer in Justice for All and accountability. Not wanting murderers to be executed by "We the People" does NOT mean that I condone their wicked behavior. Quite the contrary. Maybe in my twisted mind I think death is too easy a way out for them. Maybe I feel ashamed for playing God in deciding who should live and die. I don't actually make those decisions but when the state murders for me, I guess I'm included in that process even if it is indirectly. I don't ever want to be so grandiose in thought that I feel I can make decisions that my heart tells me only God has the right to make. Never the less, I struggle with this business of the Death Penalty. I despise murderers, yet how can I claim to know the heart and mind of a man? Can people actually redeem themselves? Totally transform their thinking? How would I feel if I were the wife or mother of the victim of a murderer? Would I want them executed? Would I forgive them and let God have his revenge? I wonder if many of us could be provoked to an anger or rage that could land us on death row ourselves. And so I continue to struggle..........

Michael Beuke, also known as "The mad hitchhiker" is scheduled to be executed on May 13, 2010. On his crime spree he would pose as a hitchhiker, even carrying a gas can while compassionate citizens would pick him up only to be shot and left for dead. Two of his victims, Gregory Wahoff, and Bruce Graham survived and one, Robert Craig, died. Beuke was sentenced to DEATH for the aggravated murder of Robert Craig in 1983. He has been sitting on death row for 27 years. This is a man who admitted guilt, there was no question of innocence, and he gets to tie up the court system with appeals and live for 27 more years. The average stay on death row for an inmate before they are executed is 14 years. Some would be appalled at that number, let alone 27 years which is almost double the average time. The Hamilton County judge who sentenced him, Norbert Nadel, says "He needs to be executed." Nadel wrote to the Ohio Adult Parole Authority asking the sentence to be imposed. "Michael Beuke is an unremorseful cold-blooded killer whose execution is long past due." Robert Ruehlman was a prosecutor on the case in 1983. "It's just unbelievable to me that a guy can be on Death Row for 26 1/2 years," Ruehlman said. "What's the purpose of the death penalty then?" Many citizens would ask the same question.

Beuke asks for clemency

On April 12, 2010 I was privileged to attend Michael Beuke's Parole Board hearing. The board consisted of seven members who listened attentively to the prosecution, the defense team, the victims widows, and several clergy and friends of Beuke. We watched a video made by the defense team which was trying to convince the Parole Board that MIchael Beuke was a changed man. Kenneth Murray, one of his federal attorneys said that Beuke has completely changed. He claims that the prison system worked. The structure of prison and his being away from negative influences has caused his reformation. He has become spiritual, prays daily and attends church in the prison. In the video we got to see some of Beuke's art work in the form of greeting cards. Beuke's work assignments while incarcerated at the Mansfield Correctional Institution included Library Aide, Tutor, Clerk and Artist. He was assigned to the extended privilege unit while at this institution. Since his transfer to the Ohio State Penitentiary, his work assignment has been as an Environmental Porter and Library Aide. He is also currently assigned to the extended privilege unit at OSP.

Since his admission, Beuke has never been placed in disciplinary control. He has received nine conduct reports since 1983 when he was first admitted to prison. Along with being actively involved in religious service musical programs, bible studies and worship services, he has been a member of both the inmate library and religious services advisory committees. Beuke has also participated in several community service programs and donated numerous art projects to various community service agencies. I have copies of a few certificates that he earned during his 27 year prison stay. One is for a volunteer Tutor Workshop, another is for participating in the M.A.D.D. Red Ribbon Campaign. He was awarded a certificate for his help in the school box top project, and 3 others for donating crafts to the Sojourner House, and local charities. His most recent accomplishments were in in 7/2008 for completing a workshop "Coping with Change" and "Commitment to Change" in 10/2008.

A video submitted by Sister Alice Gerdeman, Director of the non profit organization "Families That Matter," detailed Michael Beuke's redemption and contributions to the organization. Sister Gerdeman also reports that Michael Beuke serves on the Board of Directors and is a converted, changed man deserving clemency. I met Sister Gerdeman at the Romell Broom botched execution in Lucasville, Ohio. She also heads an organization called Ohioan's To Stop Executions. She is a compassionate, dedicated person and I value her opinion.

Beuke has many pen pals and supporters. His friends state that he writes long beautiful letters. I have had a couple of lengthy conversations with a long time pen pal, Leland Schneider, who became aware of Beuke via Beuke's mother Maria. Mr. Schneider and his wife went to the same church as Maria and often times gave her rides to the services. Mr. Schneider is 88 years young and in my opinion a true Christian. He doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. He has a giving spirit and has dedicated himself to helping Death Row inmates. He honestly believes Beuke is a changed man and should not be put to death.

All in all, I would say Michael Beuke has had a pretty good life on Death Row for the past 27 years. Aside from not having to pay any bills such as rent, car payment, food, health insurance, etc. you know, the things you and I worry ourselves sick about, he also gets to be creative, do charity work, have a social life, have a career as a librarian, attend church services, learn to play a musical instrument, take classes, sit on board of directors as a member, be looked up to by his peers and have leadership roles. In fact, I'm rather envious. The way he gets to live a stress free fulfilled life makes me wonder why everyone isn't going on murder sprees. I hardly see the punishment part of his being incarcerated. I'm thinking that if it appeared as though Beuke was suffering some sort of punishment, people might have more sympathy and feel that justice was being served. Could we make him accountable for his actions in some way other than him saying, I'm sorry?

Kenneth Murray, one of Beuke's federal attorneys argued in support of clemency

• Beuke grew up in extreme poverty. His father, Herman Beuke, worked at a local St. Vincent De Paul thrift store for more than 20 years earning $93.00 per week. The family relied on the generosity of members of their church and the assistance of local charities that provided food to the poor. Michael was an only child and his father criticized everything he did.
  
• Beuke is a changed man. He has had a positive impact on fellow prisoners and people outside the prison. He provides services to the community.
• Beuke seeks life in prison so that he can be of service to others. He promises! Father Rosenbaum, who ministers to Beuke, says that "He is the most remorseful prisoner I have ever met."
• Throughout his time in prison, Beuke's focus has been on others, not himself.
• Beuke does not deny guilt nor contest the facts or procedural history of his case.
  
• Beuke suffers from neurological damage that contributed to his previous violent behavior.

Ron Springman of the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office and Stephen Maher of the Ohio Attorney General's Office presented the following arguments.

• MIchael Beuke was known to the Hamilton County area as the Mad Hitchhiker, a homicidal murderer who forced his victims at gunpoint to secluded areas in an effort to kill them.
• Overwhelming evidence was presented at trial to include a .38 caliber revolver which was used in the commission of all crimes. Beuke's fingerprints were found on two of the victims vehicles, Several witnesses testified at trial as to Beuke's involvement.
• There is no evidence to support claims of parental abuse and neglect. Beuke was reared in a religious, stable home.
  
• Psychologists who examined him after his arrest, say that Beuke displayed an inflated sense of self and manipulative tendencies. Given that there is a lack of apparent motive in this case, it is likely that Beuke committed the offenses just for the sake of killing.
• Beuke's reconnection with his religious beliefs is largely due to a strong Catholic upbringing, as supported by the fact that his parents sent him to a Catholic school. His parents also enrolled him in the Boy Scouts organization.
• Beuke blamed drugs and alcohol as influences in his decisions during the commission of his crimes; however he is able to recall every detail of his crimes 27 years later.
• Significant planning by Beuke occurred in order to avoid detection of his crimes.
• The Board must consider whether Beuke is sincere in his expression of remorse and redemption, or whether those expressions are further evidence of his tendency to manipulate. Beuke denies that he told Michael Cahill that victim Robert Craig stated that he forgave Beuke right before Beuke killed him. It is likely that Beuke does not want to admit this very callous act to friends and supporters, as it strikes at the core of the Christian religion, and refutes the argument that he is remorseful and redeemed.
  

My heart aches for the victims and the families that continue to suffer due to losing a husband and father. I heard the widow of Robert Craig speak at the Parole Board hearing along with the widow of now passed away victim, Gregory Wahoff.

Susan Craig was pregnant with their third child when her husband was delivering fresh fish as his occupation. He picked Beuke up only to be murdered. She had called him at work that dreadful day to tell him that they got the duplex they had been trying to buy. He had already left to deliver the fish and she would never get to tell him of their good news. Mrs. Craig stated that if Michael Beuke has changed, that is wonderful. However he was handed a sentence of death and Beuke should be ready to meet his maker if he is right with God. When she spoke of the the grandchildren that she now has, being a grandmother myself, I wanted to burst into tears. She paused, half smiling, half crying, saying, "Bob, a grandfather, He would have liked that." Losing her husband while having three children to take care of has caused her much hardship emotionally and financially. She has relied on Mr. Craig's parents and talked of how they have been so supportive and wonderful. She feels this has been a long, long haul and Beuke's execution has been long overdue.

Joann Wahoff's husband Gregory Wahoff, spent his remaining 23 years in a wheelchair with 75% of his body paralyzed. She spoke from her heart explaining the suffering of her husband flopping around like a fish in bed trying to dress himself. The family lost the breadwinner when Beuke shot Gregory in the back and face and that required Mrs. Wahoff to go back to work and take care of a 13 month old son by herself. They became financially devastated and lost their home. I met her 13 month old son who is now a grown man and he is a wonderful human being that is no stranger to suffering. Mrs. Wahoff is still angry and she stated to me that she will be mad until the day she dies. My prayer for her is that somehow, someway, she will find some sort of peace of mind for her own well being. She is a lovely person who has suffered needlessly for far too long.

Karen Ho, from Victim Services read a letter from surviving victim Bruce Graham. He has met with Michael Beuke while in prison to get answers from him. He wanted to see if he was really reformed and had changed. He wanted to know for himself. This courageous man believes Beuke has changed and has forgiven him. He asked the Board to grant clemency in the form of life without the possibility of parole. His letter stated that he is not against the death penalty but thinks that one more life taken at this point would not solve anything. He also believes Beuke would be an asset to fellow inmates and the prison community should his life be spared. I believe Mr. Graham is clearly the bigger man and stands taller than any red wood tree. His forgiveness and generosity demonstrates what a true Christian really is although I know nothing of his religious convictions.

On April 21, 2010 the Parole Board released their decision and recommendation to Governor Ted Strickland. In a 7-0 vote, the Board recommends that executive clemency be DENIED.

Their reasoning is based on the following:

1. The offenses were extremely aggravating, as evidenced by the fact that they were committed against multiple, stranger victims on three separate occasions. They were committed with prior calculation and design. Beuke lured the victims who thought they were helping him.

2. These offenses caused extensive fear to the community prior to Beuke's capture.

3. Beuke's 27 years of good conduct, programming, community service, and religious conversion do not outweigh the aggravating circumstances.

4. There were insufficient arguments presented to demonstrate that Beuke likely suffers from brain damage.

Dale Baich, one of Beuke's federal public defenders out of Arizona, says he is disappointed. Beuke's defense team are negotiating with prison officials and the Ohio Attorney General's Office about transferring Beuke to a Youngstown hospital for a brain scan to determine if a disorder may have contributed to Beuke's crimes. It is reported that Beuke suffers from seizures. It would be my guess that the brain damage issue will be part of any last minute appeals. Dale Baich and Kenneth Murray are excellent attorneys and I wouldn't expect anything less from them to try and save their client at the last minute. Both have impressive resumes and if I were ever in trouble, I would feel confident having them defend me. I might also add that Kenneth Murray has a degree in psychology and sits on a mental health board. With his expertise in mental health, I'm sure he is privy to knowledge concerning Beuke's neurological problems more so than we laymen who can only speculate.

We now will wait for Governor Ted Strickland's decision. Most likely he will follow the Boards recommendation. Although that isn't always the case. Strickland once counseled death row inmates before becoming governor and is an ordained minister. It is clear that his ministering doesn't interfere with his governing seeing as how 13 death row inmates have been executed on his watch. Twenty four were executed under Governor Bob Taft. We, in Ohio, are second to Texas. Texas resumed executions in 1982 and have killed 452 death row inmates while Ohio resumed in 1999 and has killed 37 death row inmates. A pretty large gap but none the less we are second.

In dissecting Michael Beuke's case and having many sleepless nights reading over and over court transcripts, talking with the victims' families and hearing the defense and prosecution's arguments, I think Michael Beuke is a clever manipulator who has had 27 years of good practice to hone his skill. I suppose anyone would change after 27 years or at least I would hope. As much as I despise this man and all of the pain he has caused so many for no good reason, I still want him to live. I don't feel justified in any way to become the murderous monster that he is. It is not my right to kill, even if the state does it for me. I am not a religious person but I do feel only God has the right to take a life and if any revenge be taken, let it be by God, not me. I have to meet my maker someday too and I don't want killing on my list of dirty deeds. I have enough on my list as it is. My hope is that everyone involved with this case will find closure and peace of mind, no matter what the outcome may be.