The Indiana Parole Board is hearing a clemency request from Jeffrey Allen Weisheit, who was sentenced to death for killing two children in an intentionally set house fire in Evansville in 2010.

Weisheit was convicted of killing 5-year-old Caleb Lynch and 8-year-old Alyssa Lynch, the children of his girlfriend, Lisa Lynch. After setting the fire, he led police on a high-speed chase into Kentucky before crashing and throwing a knife at an officer.

During the hearing, Weisheit told board members he once turned down a plea deal that would have allowed him to avoid the death penalty in exchange for life in prison without parole. He said he did not want to live at the time of his trial but now does.

His family testified about his struggles as a child, while his attorney argued that the children’s family has forgiven him. The defense is also asking to delay the execution so Weisheit can undergo a brain scan and while Tennessee reviews a recent botched execution involving similar procedures.

The board is expected to hear from Lisa Lynch and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office before making a recommendation to Gov. Mike Braun, who will make the final decision on whether to intervene.