AI-assisted summary

Roy Lee Ward, condemned for the 2001 rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne, is seeking clemency weeks before his scheduled execution.

The Indiana Parole Board heard conflicting arguments, with prosecutors calling Ward a "predator" and defense attorneys arguing a recent autism diagnosis explains his past behavior.

Ward declined to appear before the board, stating he did not want to cause further pain to the victim's family or have his remorse misinterpreted.

The parole board will make a non-binding recommendation to Gov. Mike Braun, who holds the sole authority to commute the death sentence.

Just weeks before Roy Lee Ward’s scheduled execution, the Indiana Parole Board heard conflicting portrayals Monday of the man condemned for the 2001 rape and murder of 15-y

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