Federal Judge In Columbus Allows Video Testimony From Death Row

A federal judge is allowing a condemned Ohio child killer to testify by video at a hearing over the state's plan to use a never-tried lethal drug combination on him next month. Lawyers for death row inmate Ronald Phillips want his Nov. 14 execution postponed to give them time to prepare arguments against the new execution method. Columbus judge Gregory Frost on Thursday approved Phillips' testimony by video ahead of the Friday morning hearing. Frost originally granted a request for Phillips to appear in person, then switched to a video appearance once it appeared the courtroom technology would make it possible. The state had opposed Phillips' personal appearance, asking Frost to consider the expense and security involved in transporting a death row inmate to a hearing. AP-WF-10-31-13 1418GMT