Ohio prosecutor dismisses Elwood Jones murder case
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich on Friday dismissed the 1994 murder case against former death row inmate Elwood Jones after a months‑long evidence review, citing no physical or forensic links, alternative‑suspect leads left unexplored, and prior failures to disclose investigatory materials. Jones, freed after a judge granted a new trial in December 2022, is now the 12th death row exoneree in Ohio; Pillich also announced a new Conviction Integrity Unit to review potential wrongful convictions.
📌 Key Facts
- Dismissal announced Dec. 12, 2025 by Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich
- Case involved the 1994 killing of 67-year-old Rhoda Nathan in Blue Ash, Ohio
- Jones spent over 25 years on death row; a judge granted a new trial in Dec. 2022 over withheld evidence
- Pillich cited lack of physical/forensic evidence and modern medical testing excluding Jones
- Ohio Supreme Court last week remanded an appeal related to the case; Justice Joe Deters recused