Ernst “Marty” Martin, 42, died Wednesday June 18, 2003 by lethal injection administered at the Southern Ohio Corrections Facility at Lucasville. Loving son of Francis Martin of Cleveland, OH. Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his father, a roofer in Cleveland, in 1984. Mr. Martin was the fourth of seven siblings. Also survived by 2 loving children, his son Darnell Reece and his daughter, Laketta Tate. His beloved sister, Debra Reece, brother Curtis Martin and spiritual advisor Charles Morgan, were with Marty at the time of death.

Mr. Martin’s final three minute statement included these words, “ I’m being treated the same way Christ was treated…. But I don’t hold no grudges against no one. God bless all of you.” Mr. Martin maintained his claim of innocence throughout the 20 years of imprisonment. Debra Reece noted to the crowd gathered outside SOCF , “He’s free, my brother is free, no more lies.” She had noted earlier, “Jehovah will take care of it. We’ll see him in the end.”