Ohio delays execution of convicted killer who overdosed on pills in prison cell

Ohio delays execution of inmate found unconscious

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio has postponed the execution of an inmate who they say overdosed on pills in his prison cell.

Authorities say 43-year-old Lawrence Reynolds was found unconscious Sunday night. He had been scheduled to die Tuesday by lethal injection for the killing of his Cuyahoga Falls neighbor in 1994.

Prisons spokeswoman Julie Walburn says that Reynolds is in stable condition at a Youngstown hospital.

Walburn says Gov. Ted Strickland has issued a seven-day reprieve to allow Reynolds to be released and provide state prison staff with extra time to prepare for his execution.

Walburn says Reynolds’ injuries were self-imposed, but she declined to call it a suicide attempt. The state continues to investigate.