The Ohio parole board has rejected mercy for the first death row inmate scheduled for execution next year under a new process for putting condemned prisoners to death.

Ronald Phillips is set to die Jan. 12 for the 1993 rape and killing of his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter.

The board voted 10-2 Friday against recommending clemency for the 43-year-old Phillips. Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sihk) has the final say.

Phillips' attorneys asked the board to spare the inmate, calling the case tragic but arguing that Phillips is not one of the worst offenders.

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh says Phillips has consistently blamed others for his actions and it's time for justice to be served.

The board rejected clemency in 2013 for Phillips.