Weil secured a milestone victory in its long-running pro bono representation of Tyrone Noling on August 25, 2026, when the Ohio Parole Board voted to recommend that his death sentence be commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole as early as 2029. The recommendation marks an important step in Weil’s pursuit of a full pardon, now under final consideration from Governor Mike DeWine.

Weil has long argued that Mr. Noling had been wrongfully convicted. He 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 recommendation follows an August 18 clemency hearing before the Ohio Parole Board, which provided an opportunity for the Board to consider evidence presented in support of Mr. Noling’s application.

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.