Ohio Parole Board rejects mercy for condemned killer of 2

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Parole Board has recommended against mercy for a condemned inmate scheduled to die July 19 for killing a husband and wife in their Hamilton home during a 1995 robbery.

Gov. John Kasich has the final say on clemency.

Attorneys for Kenneth Smith argued that he grew up in a dysfunctional household with a violent, alcoholic father and a mother who had multiple affairs.

The parole board ruled unanimously today that a jury heard similar information about Smith’s childhood at trial.

Smith cut Lewis Ray’s throat while his brother, Randy Smith, strangled Ruth Ray.

Court documents say Kenneth Smith boasted about kicking Ruth Ray in the head to make sure she was dead.

Randy Smith is serving a sentence of 30 years to life.