Man could face execution for killing 87-year-old Ohio woman

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) – Jurors are hearing evidence and will recommend to a judge whether a Kentucky man should be executed for killing an 87-year-old Ohio woman and leaving her body in the trunk of her car.

The same jury that found 57-year-old Daniel French of Berea, Kentucky, guilty of aggravated murder began hearing arguments Wednesday for and against execution in the penalty phase of French’s trial.

French was convicted Thursday of aggravated murder in the slaying of Barbara Howe in 2012.

Prosecutors say French cut Howe’s throat after gaining entry by posing as a maintenance worker in her Monroe retirement community. The defense insisted French had no plan to kill her.

French’s brother testified Wednesday about them being beaten by their father as children.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.