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WTOL TV - 11 Spirko Gets Another Reprieve While Evidence Tested Associated Press - July 30, 2007 1:35 PM ET COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A man who has been on death row for nearly 25 years has been granted a seventh reprieve so his lawyers and the state can further study evidence in the case. Governor Strickland granted the reprieve that lawyers for 61-year-old John Spirko sought. Strickland granted a similar 180-day reprieve on March 27th. Today's reprieve moves Spirko's execution date to January 24th. Spirko -- who says he is innocent -- received his first reprieve from then-Governor Taft in September 2005. Among the items being tested, blood on duct tape used to wrap the victim and hair samples both matched postmistress Betty Jane Mottinger of Elgin. Spirko was convicted of murdering Mottinger, but no evidence ties him directly to the case. Mottinger was abducted and repeatedly stabbed, then wrapped in a tarp and dumped in a field. Her body was found three weeks later.
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