Clemency hearing for Canadian on death row
Posted May 2, 2012 3:40 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A Canadian facing execution in Montana has told relatives of the two men he shot and killed that he doesn’t expect them to forgive him.
Ronald Smith also told the families he understands the suffering he has put them through and wishes he could take back what he did.
Smith is fighting for his life at a clemency hearing before the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole.
He has been on death row ever since he admitted to shooting two young men near East Glacier, Mont., 30 years ago.
The son of a man shot and killed by Smith says there should be no mercy for the Canadian on death row in Montana.
A visibly angry Thomas Running Rabbit paced back and forth in front of the podium at a clemency hearing where Smith is fighting for his life.
He said Smith has to pay for killing Running Rabbit’s father, saying Smith showed no mercy when he shot the men in the head.
Running Rabbit said he will fight for justice until `Ronald Smith’s last breath.” He then pointed at Smith and said: “I’m Thomas Running Rabbit. I do not fear you.”
Smith told the families he is “horrendously sorry” and all he can do is apologize.
He says he wants to move forward with his life and become a better person.
