Since May 21, Jeffrey Wogenstahl has been housed at Ross Correctional Institution (RCI). RCI is a large prison with more spacious grounds for recreation than his previous prison, Chillicothe Correctional Institution (CCI). And at RCI meals are taken in the chow hall, instead of being handed to inmates on trays through slots in the cell doors. But the differences are not that significant. As Jeff says, “It’s just another prison”.

What interests Jeff far more is moving back into society as an exoneree. Two possible stepping stones to this end have arisen this year: oral argument to assess the legitimacy of his trial’s location; and an evidentiary hearing to review his conviction in the light of evidence located by his attorneys 8 years ago. A previous post explains the potential importance of both court decisions.

The oral argument took place as planned on April 23, and can be viewed in the Supreme Court of Ohio video collection. The court has yet to announce its findings.

The evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 24. It will take place at the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

In the meantime, Jeff must distract himself as best he can during his first summer at RCI. Experience has taught him never to allow himself hope, in case it is dashed. And legal proceedings can move very slowly. We wish Jeff well at this stressful time. We hope that this year will bring him closer to the new trial that he deserves.

NB This post has been updated. The start date for Jeff’s evidentiary hearing has been moved from Monday, September 23 to Tuesday, September 24.

FURTHER UPDATE: THE PLANNED EVIDENTIARY HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

UPDATE: JEFF’S EVIDENTIARY HEARING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR
15 – 18 OCTOBER, 2024.