Parole Board Delays Decision on Ex-Akron Police Captain Doug Prade's Release

Doug Prade, a former Akron police captain convicted of the 1997 murder of his ex-wife Dr. Margo Prade, had a parole hearing that was postponed due to a lack of a quorum on the Ohio Parole Board. The case has moved to a Central Office Board Review where remaining board members will independently review and vote on his parole, a process that could take several weeks. Prade has maintained his innocence throughout, and his conviction was once vacated in 2013 due to DNA evidence excluding him, leading to a temporary release before being sent back to prison after a ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court. Family members and friends of the victim strongly oppose his release, while Prade's daughters seek a new trial, believing in his innocence. The parole board could either recommend his release or extend his incarceration for up to 10 more years. The hearing delay and review process have left the decision pending amid strong emotions on both sides of the case.