Frank Spisak: Nazi Sympathizer Executed in Ohio

by Jordan Yerman | February 17, 2011 at 11:46 am

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Nazi Sympathizer Frank Spisak Executed for Triple Murder

Frank Spisak, a Nazi sympathizer who has spent nearly 30 years on Death Row for killing three people, was executed at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. Frank Spisak was executed via lethal injection.

In 1982, Frank Spisak targeted African Americans on the Cleveland State University campus in "hunting missions" meant to start a "race war". Frank Spisak was convicted of killing Rev. Horace Rickerson; Timothy Sheehan, who worked on the university grounds; and Brian Worford, a student. A fourth victim, John Hardaway, survived a murder attempt by Spisak, though he was shot seven times.

During his trial, Frank Spisak grew a Hitler-style mustache and gave Nazi salutes to the jury. Spisak's lawyers argued that their client was mentally ill, and should not be executed. Spisak often cross-dressed, and asked to be addressed as "Frances Anne". He professed a hatred of Jews, homosexuals, and African Americans.

Frank Spisak had an accomplice named Ronald Reddish, who was found guilty of the attempted murder of John Hardaway.

Timothy Sheehan's family gave a statement after the execution:

"Today we chose to celebrate the life of husband and father, Timothy Sheehan, not the death of Frank Spisak," the statement read. "We are grateful that the justice system has worked, and appreciate those in the criminal justice system whose diligent efforts have helped bring this matter to a final resolution."

Shortly before Spisak's execution, John Hardaway recounted the attack that nearly cost him his life:

"I can still see the night he was shooting me," Hardaway, 83, said in a recent interview at his one-bedroom apartment on Cleveland's East Side. "He was squatting down, pulling that trigger. That will never go away. It ain't as bad as it was, but it hits me hard sometimes. Why would he do a person like that?"