Ohio Board to Rule on Mercy for Condemned Killer An Ohio board is ready to announce whether it will recommend mercy for a pregnant woman's condemned killer, who is facing a never-tried execution method. Attorneys for Dennis McGuire say he deserves clemency because of a chaotic childhood filled with abuse. Prosecutors say execution is the proper sentence for the rape and stabbing death of 22-year-old Joy Stewart in 1989 in western Ohio's Preble County. The Ohio Parole Board heard arguments last week and plans a decision Friday. Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) has the final say. The 53-year-old McGuire faces death by one of two methods if his Jan. 16 execution proceeds. The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction will announce early next year if it will use a specialty dose of pentobarbital or a two-drug sedative and painkiller combination.