Canadian government seeks clemency for Alberta native on Montana’s death row for 1983 slayings

Canada seeks clemency for man on Mont. death row

CALGARY, Alberta — Canada’s request for clemency may not be enough to save the life of the only Canadian known to be on death row in the United States.

Ronald Smith was convicted in 1983 for the shooting deaths of two young Montana men while he was high on drugs and alcohol.

The native of Red Deer, Alberta, originally requested the death penalty but later changed his mind and has been fighting ever since to keep from being executed.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on whether to hear his final appeal.

If the court declines, it will likely be left to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer to decide whether Smith dies.

Schweitzer says Ottawa’s request for clemency does carry weight, but so do the wishes of the family members of Smith’s victims.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Canada’s request for clemency may not be enough to save the life of the only Canadian known to be on death row in the United States.

Ronald Smith was convicted in 1983 for the shooting deaths of two young Montana men while he was high on drugs and alcohol.

The native of Red Deer, Alberta, originally requested the death penalty but later changed his mind and has been fighting ever since to keep from being executed.

Next month the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether to hear his final appeal.

If the court declines, it will likely be left to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer to decide whether Smith dies.

Schweitzer says Ottawa’s request for clemency does carry weight, but so do the wishes of the family members of Smith’s victims.

(This version CORRECTS that Supreme Court ruling is expected this month.)