Bill Allows Post-Trial Evidence in Capital Cases:  A legislative committee approved a revision to an Ohio capital punishment bill, determining that condemned killers may gather post-trial evidence in their death penalty cases as long as the information doesn't embarrass, annoy or unduly burden the witness involved.  WLWT reports that the bill, sponsored by Sen. Bill Seitz, revised current death penalty laws, which left it up to judges to decide whether condemned criminals can gather post-trial evidence at all.  Death penalty opponents argue that limits should not be imposed when it concerns the life of an individual, but supporters are assured that judges will "balance the interests of justice."  Another part of the legislation states that defense attorneys will not have a page limit on petitions for post-trial challenges or in their appeals if the challenges are denied.  prosecutors contend this will clog up the system with paperwork.  The bill was prompted by recommendations from an Ohio Supreme Court task force that studied the state's capital punishment law.

ICE Allowed Back in L.A. County Jails with Limits:  Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell has initiated a new policy to allow federal agents to operate inside jails in order to target serious or violent criminals prior to their released.  Kate Linthicum of the LA Times reports that the new policy grants permission to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to all inmates being released from jail, but only allows them to interview those with serious convictions.  While Sheriff McDonnell states that the new protocol "appropriately balances public safety needs and the concerns of immigrant communities," immigrant advocates claim the policy is  "politically motivated and impacted by sensationalized tragedy," referring to the July 1 shooting death of Kathryn Steinle by an illegal immigrant in San Francisco.  Advocates for stricter immigration enforcement say that this is a step in the right direction.

Phoenix Freeway Shooter Charged:  A man suspected in some of the Phoenix-area freeway shootings was formally charged Wednesday.  The AP reports that 21-year-old Leslie Allen Merritt Jr., who was connected to four of the 11 shootings through ballistics tests, faces 16 counts, including aggravated assault, unlawful discharge of a weapon, disorderly conduct, endangerment and carrying out a drive-by shooting.  The shootings resulted in only one injury in August, when a bullet pierced a vehicle's windshield and the broken glass cut a 13-year-old passenger.  The investigation remains open due to the possibility of copycats.

Couple Dead After Standoff:  Two paranormal investigators featured on a reality TV show were found dead in their apartment following an hours-long standoff with police.  Henry Austin of NBC News reports that Mark and Debby Constantino, stars of Travel Channel's 'Ghost Adventures,' engaged police in a three-hour standoff at Mark's Sparks, NV apartment.  The drama unfolded after police tracked Debby's cell phone to the residence while investigating the Tuesday shooting death of her roommate in Reno, whom they believe is connected to the Constantinos.  When SWAT officers forced their way into the apartment, both Mark and Debby were found deceased.  Mark had recently been charged with kidnapping and domestic related charges against Debby.