Carter's lawyers argued against the execution, claiming Allen's killing was not premeditated, that Allen was a former U.S. Army soldier who likely instigated the fight and that the inmates used as witnesses were unreliable.
In spite of support for a commutation to life imprisonment from former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Herbert R. Brown and former state prisons director Terry Collins, Governor Kasich declined to grant clemency.
Clarence Carter last words included - "I'd like to say I'm sorry for what I did, especially to his mother. I ask God for forgiveness and them for forgiveness," he said. He smiled at his brother and appeared to pray as the lethal injection began. After several deep breaths, his eyes closed. He fell silent about a minute into the procedure.
Allen's mother did not attend, but released a statement saying she has no animosity against Carter and has forgiven him. May he rest in peace.
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