Ohio Reschedules Execution of James O’Neal from August 16, 2023, to August 19, 2026

James O’Neal, Ohio

Updated: Monday, August 14, 2023

James Derrick O’Neal was scheduled to be executed at 10 am local time on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility near Mansfield, Ohio. His execution has been rescheduled to August 19, 2026. Sixty-nine-year-old James is convicted of murdering his estranged wife, 31-year-old Carol Ann O’Neal, on December 11, 1993, in Cincinnati, Ohio. James has been on Ohio’s death row for the last 27 years.

James had previously served in the Marines. He was dishonorably discharged after going AWOL (Absent With Out Leave). James worked as a dishwasher before his arrest, although his work history included frequent failures to show up for work and showing up late.

In September 1993, James and Carol O’Neal moved in together, along with Carol’s four children, which were all from a previous marriage, and James’ two sons from a prior marriage. The house was leased in Carol’s name, with Carol listed as the “tenant” and James and Carol’s children as “occupants.” James’ children were not mentioned.

On December 7, 1993, a physical altercation occurred between James and Carol, resulting in Carol kicking James and his sons out of the house. Carol then filed a domestic complaint and made plans to change the locks on the house. James began living on the street, although it is unclear where his sons went. When he left, James left behind several items of clothes and personal effects.

On December 11, 1993, James returned to the home, furious at Carol for kicking out his sons, planning to “teach [Carol] a lesson.” James broke through the front door and followed Carol into an upstairs bedroom, where he fired three shots at her. One of the shots was fatal. James then allegedly attempted to shoot one of Carol’s sons, however, the gun jammed, and James fled the house.

Police found James later that day hiding in a nearby house. He surrendered without a fight and eventually confessed to the crime. A pistol that was in James’ possession at the time of his arrest was identified as the gun that shot and killed Carol. James was convicted and sentenced to death.

This is not James’ first execution date. Since 2018, James’ execution has been rescheduled multiple times due to Ohio’s ongoing problem of obtaining execution drugs. This most recent execution date is now rescheduled from August 19, 2026. Read more about the ongoing challenges Ohio has faced in carrying out executions here.

Please pray for peace and healing for the family of Carol O’Neal, including her four children. Pray for strength for the family of James. Please pray that if James is innocent, lacks the competency to be executed, or should not be executed for any other reason, that evidence will be provided before his execution. Pray that James may come to find peace through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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