(Wauseon, OH) Testimony in the sentencing phase of James Worley's murder trial is expected to begin today after a one-day delay.
A Fulton County judge postponed the start of the hearings Monday when a defense witness was unable to testify. Worley's attorneys will present a psychiatric evaluation and testimony from relatives in an attempt to keep him off death row for killing Sierah Joughin in 2016.
While the victim's family awaits a possible death penalty verdict, Sierra Joughin's survivors are waging another battle. While the sentencing phase of the James Worley trial continues, murder victim Sierra Joughin's mother continues to pressure state lawmakers to create a violent offender registry in Ohio.
Supporters contend no one knew there was a convicted kidnapper living nearby-- and they want to change that.
The so-called Sierra's Law is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee where testimony from judges, police, and prosecutors have prompted amendments and other changes.
The bill's sponsor, state senator Randy Gardner, expects a committee vote and eventual floor vote later this month. The Bowling Green Republican says only five states have a violent offender registry.