Condemned Mahoning County man asks parole board for mercy

COLUMBUS (AP) — Attorneys for a condemned Mahoning County man who killed a Youngstown store owner say their client is mentally disabled and mentally ill and should be spared.

The lawyers for 63-year-old John Eley also say the slaying would never have happened without the involvement of Eley’s alleged accomplice, who was acquitted after Eley refused to testify against him.

Eley’s defense attorneys were scheduled to make their arguments for clemency before the Ohio Parole Board later today. Prosecutors also are scheduled to give presentations.

The state says Eley was a career criminal who showed no remorse over the shooting and whose IQ of 82 is well above the threshold of mental disability.

Eley’s execution date for killing Ihsan Aydah is July 26.

Gov. John Kasich has the final say on clemency.