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Killer could be released from prison

Filed by Medina Gazette February 16th, 2013 in Top Stories.
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The Ohio Parole Board is considering the release of a 66-year-old man sentence to life in prison in June 1978 for the abduction and knife slaying of a young Medina County woman.

Yanasak

Thomas J. Yanasak was convicted of the aggravated murder of 23-year-old Carol Smith.

Police said Yanasak abducted Smith from a store parking lot, leaving her 5-year-old son, Michael, behind. Her body was found about an hour later. She had been stabbed 27 times, according to police reports.

Yanasak appeared Tuesday before the parole board, but no decision was reached, according to Mike Davis, spokesman for the department.

Davis said a followup review of Yanasak’s case by the state’s Central Office Board of Review is scheduled within the next 30 days.

Yanasak, who was sentenced to 15 years to life, was denied parole in 2008, 2005, 1998 and 1993, Davis said. He is serving his sentence at the Allen Correctional Institution.


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  • Buffalo

    Sure, go ahead and release this jerk – I’m sure he’s reformed, found God, and will be an asset to society. On second thought, keep him incarcerated and continue his punishment. He took a life, so why should he have his own back?

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  • http://www.facebook.com/ebuhite Eva Smith Buhite

    Keep him in jail for life. That was his sentence , let him serve it. He should have got the death penalty.

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  • Dave

    I remember this case and he butchered her slowly! He did things to her that never made the papers and the pictures would make most people sick. DO NOT ket this maniac out!

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  • Concerned Citizen

    I do not believe 34 years is considered a life time. I am sure her son, now 39, would agree. He was sentenced to life, he should serve HIS LIFE, and die in prison. Law abiding, up-standing citizens like myself have enough to worry about, let alone letting this cold blooded killer out into the world.

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  • Michael L. Smith

    I’m Carol’s son Michael L. Smith. Yanasak took my mother’s life. The manner in which she died is always with me. The fact that he used me as leverage in order to convince her to leave with him -that is always with me as well. The last moments I spent with my mother she was in absolute terror and that is the memory most vivid in my mind. It is always there just below the surface. I assure you that my words are unable to take you there just as none of us can imagine what my mother endured, as she experienced her horrible death. nn The wretched being that took her away wants to be free.nn I ask that you please go to http://www.blockparole.com and click on Thomas Yanasak (Inmate #152433) and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Your information will only be seen by the Medina County Prosecuter and the Ohio Parole Board.nnA Central Office Board Review means that a “Release Consideration” has been made by at least a majority of the members of the parole board. nnPlease fill out the form at http://www.blockparole.com and if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at mlsmith27@hotmail.comnnThank you,nnMichael L. Smith

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  • Michael L. Smith

    Please go to http://www.blockparole.com Then click on Thomas Yanasak and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Only the Medina Prosecuter and Ohio Parole Board will see your message. nThank you, Michael L. Smith

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