WARRANT: Circuit court denies evidentiary hearing on Ford's postconviction motion
James Ford's execution is scheduled for February 13. Yesterday, the circuit court denied Ford's request for an evidentiary hearing on his pending postconviction motion.
James Ford’s execution is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025—the first for the State in 2025.
Consistent with the circuit court’s scheduling order, on Sunday, Ford filed a successive motion for postconviction relief in the circuit court. The State filed its response to Ford’s Motion on Monday. TFDP covered both here.
Per the circuit court’s scheduling order, the Court held a Huff hearing yesterday morning. Ford requested an evidentiary hearing on his first claim regarding his mental age at the time of the crime.
Yesterday afternoon, the circuit court entered a two-page Order denying Ford’s request. The court said that Ford’s motion “as to both claims can be resolved by a review of the record and prevailing case law.” Therefore, the court will not hold an evidentiary hearing on Ford’s motion. The court will rule on Ford’s Motion on January 24.
TFDP Prior Coverage of the Ford Warrant
My thoughts are with everyone involved in the warrant- and execution-related process.