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Donald L. "Duke" Palmer Jr. (February 11, 1968 - September 20, 2012) was an American convicted murderer who was executed by the state of Ohio for the aggravated murders, alongside his accomplice Edward Hill, of Charles Sponhaltz and Steven Vargo in 1989.

Murders of Sponhaltz and Vargo

On May 8, 1989, Palmer and his accomplice Edward Hill were staking out the home of a man who had dated Palmer's ex-wife. While they were driving back forth in front of the home, Charles Sponhaltz, who was observing his home, slowed his vehicle and was struck by a vehicle driven by Hill. Palmer later shot Sponhaltz twice in his head. Steven Vargo, a passing driver who inquired about this incident was also shot dead by Palmer.

Sentencing and execution

Palmer was indicted with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and was found guilty as charged. He was sentenced to death on October 26, 1989, while his accomplice Edward Hill was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison.

While on death row, after exhausting his rounds of State and Federal Appeal, his execution date was requested, and on July 5, 2011, the Ohio Supreme Court set his execution date for September 20, 2012.

On August 24, 2012, the Ohio Pardon and Parole Board rejected clemency for Palmer, the Board stated that "There is no doubt of Palmer’s guilt, and all reviewing courts have determined that Palmer received a fair trial”.

Palmer was moved to the death house at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility on September 19, 2012, Palmer requested a chipped ham and Velveeta cheese sandwich, ranch-flavored Doritos, peanut M&Ms, hazelnut ice cream, cheese cake and soda, as his last meal before he was executed.

Palmer was executed the next day on September 20, 2012, and was pronounced dead at 10:35 am (EST). He apologized for his crimes in his final statement: "I want you to know I've carried you in my heart for years and years," I'm so sorry for what I took from you . . . I hope your pain and hurt die with me today. I know it can't, I pray that you have good lives now. I'm sorry."

He was the 48th person to be executed in Ohio since 1976 and the 2nd person to be executed in Ohio in 2012. He was the 28th nationwide in 2012 and 1305th overall. On that same day, Robert Wayne Harris was executed in Texas at 6:43 P.M (CST).

See also

• Capital punishment in Ohio
• List of people executed in Ohio
• List of people executed in the United States in 2012

References

1. "Donald L. "Duke" Palmer Jr". Clark Prosector. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
2. "Ohio Supreme Court sets 2 new execution dates". Fox 19 News. July 5, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
3. "Board denies clemency for execution-style killer". The Columbus Dispatch. August 25, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
4. "Inmate moved into death house". The Columbus Dispatch. September 20, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
5. "Donald Palmer, Ohio death-row inmate, used last words to apologize to families of victims". CBS News. September 20, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
6. "Ohio, Texas execute convicted killers". NBC News. September 20, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2025.

• 1968 births
• 2012 deaths
• American murderers