On July 6, 2026, Weil helped secure a significant milestone in its long-running pro bono representation of Tyrone Noling when the Ohio Parole Board granted a hearing on Mr. Noling’s application for executive clemency. The hearing, scheduled for August 18, marks an important step in his pursuit of a full pardon from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Mr. Noling was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murders of an elderly couple in rural Ohio. No physical evidence tied him to the crime, no murder weapon was ever found and a weapon Mr. Noling possessed was promptly ruled out. The State’s case rested on coerced statements from Mr. Noling’s young friends and alleged accomplices. All of those individuals have since recanted their statements implicating Mr. Noling and themselves in the crime.

Since Mr. Noling’s conviction, significant evidence has emerged pointing away from him and toward other suspects. According to Mr. Noling’s clemency application, critical evidence connecting those suspects to the murders was never turned over by the prosecution.

Support for Mr. Noling’s release has also come from individuals involved in the original case. A juror who voted to convict him has stated that, after reviewing evidence that emerged following the trial, she believes Mr. Noling is innocent. The former sheriff of Portage County, whose office initially investigated the crime, has also said Mr. Noling should be released.

The August 18 hearing marks a critical milestone in the executive clemency process and provides an opportunity for the Ohio Parole Board to consider the substantial evidence that has emerged since Mr. Noling’s conviction.

The Weil team representing Mr. Noling is led by partner Dan Nadratowski and includes associates Caitlin Flanagan, Rachael Jones and McKayla Robinson. Weil partner Mark Perry has also long been involved in Mr. Noling’s case. Weil serves as co-counsel to Mr. Noling together with the Ohio Innocence Project and Sidley Austin.