Clemency bid denied for Arizona prisoner set for execution

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - In one of the last steps to get through before the first execution in Arizona in nearly eight years, clemency was denied for Clarence Dixon.

In a unanimous decision by Arizona’s Clemency Board, the decision means the board declines to recommend to Governor Doug Ducey that the death sentence of Dixon be reduced to life in prison.

The board made the decision after hearing tearful comments from The board made the decision after hearing tearful comments from the sister of the young girl killed by Dixon in 1978, Leslie Bowdin James, who reflected on the brutality her 21-year-old sister suffered.

The board’s decision keeps the execution on track, at least for now.

But a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in a Pinal County court to consider whether Dixon is mentally fit to be executed. His lawyers argue Dixon’s psychological problems keep him from rationally understanding why the state wants to end his life.

Prosecutors have said in court records that the hearing will likely lead to a delay in the execution which is set for May 11th for now.

Dixon will be executed by lethal injection.