Judge to consider Ohio killer's obesity claim

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A judge is ready to hear arguments in the case of a condemned Ohio inmate who weighs around 450 pounds and says he's too fat to be executed humanely.

Killer Ronald Post claims he could suffer a "torturous and lingering death" because executioners will have a hard time finding a vein for the lethal chemical used by Ohio or if an untried backup method is used that injects chemicals directly into muscle.

Federal judge Gregory Frost planned a hearing Monday in Columbus where evidence will be presented by Post's attorneys and also from state lawyers, who oppose Post's request.

A Cleveland federal judge has already rejected Post's argument.

The state parole board on Friday recommended Post be spared because of questions about his legal representation 30 years ago.