The man accused of killing a 12-year-old boy back in 1985 will not be put to death following a ruling from the U.S Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Danny Lee Hill was convicted of killing 12-year-old Raymond Fife and has been appealing that conviction for the better part of 20 years.

At the time of the murder, Hill was 18-years-old and was sentenced to death following his conviction in the case.

Court documents say the Court of Appeals found overwhelming evidence that Hill is disabled.

The documents cite Hill's very poor school performance and lack of self care as two pieces of evidence in their decision. It also states that Hill "had trouble making friends and responding appropriately to authority figures."

The same conclusion described Hill as "a follower, easily led, and vulnerable to exploitation by adults."

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals says these deficiencies have continued into Hill's adult life and that he was diagnosed as disabled early in life. They say this was not a case where disabilities come out after a conviction.

In the concluding portion of the document says Hill has a diminished mental capacity and is essentially illiterate.

A statement from Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney Dennis Watkins released the following statement: