Convicted cop killer will become 2nd execution in Indiana since 2009
Share this @internewscast.com

An Indiana man who was convicted of killing a police officer two decades ago is set to be the second person executed in the state since 2009. 

Benjamin Ritchie, aged 45, is slated for execution by lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison on Tuesday, May 20, before daybreak, “unless there’s last-minute court action,” as reported by the Associated Press.

Ritchie has been on death row for over 20 years for the 2000 fatal shooting of Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney.

Ritchie was just 20 when he and some accomplices stole a van in Beech Grove, a locality near Indianapolis, according to the outlet. During a foot pursuit, he fatally shot the 31-year-old police officer and father of two daughters five times. At the time, he was also serving probation for a burglary conviction in 1998.

Execution chamber

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said he followed the recommendation of the board and would allow the execution to proceed. 

“After thoroughly reviewing the unanimous recommendation from the State Parole Board, I have decided to permit the execution of Benjamin Ritchie to go forward as scheduled for May 20,” Braun stated in an announcement.

Ritchie’s attorneys are challenging that decision in federal court and have also filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, according to the AP, noting that the jury did not receive accurate information about Ritchie’s brain damage.

Ritchie’s execution would mark the second inmate to be put to death in Indiana in 15 years, according to the AP. 

Indiana resumed executions in December after a year-long hiatus due to the scarcity of lethal injection drugs nationwide, the AP reported. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Man in custody for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails into LA federal building, docs show

Man Detained for Alleged Molotov Cocktail Attack on LA Federal Building, Court Documents Reveal

A man from Los Angeles has been arrested for allegedly launching homemade…
Victim in deadly Stockton, California mass shooting identified as Amari Peterson; FBI offers up to $50,000 for suspects' capture

FBI Offers $50,000 Reward for Capture of Suspects in Stockton, California Mass Shooting; Victim Identified as Amari Peterson

In a tragic turn of events, Stockton, California, became the scene of…
Surveillance video shows brazen heist at high-end boutique in New York City

Shocking Heist Caught on Camera: High-End NYC Boutique Targeted in Daring Theft

NEW YORK — Authorities are on the hunt for the culprits behind…
100-foot rule costs all gas customers

How the 100-Foot Rule is Impacting Your Gas Bill: A Must-Read for Savvy Consumers

As the legislative session in Albany wrapped up this year, both the…
NYU student slapped from behind, thrown to ground in random attack caught on video

Shocking Video Captures Unprovoked Attack on NYU Student in NYC

A New York University student has come forward with a harrowing account…
University of Delaware student accused of 'frightening' plot to attack campus police

University of Delaware Student Allegedly Involved in Disturbing Plot Against Campus Police

A student from the University of Delaware has been apprehended and faces…
Contractors renovating Washington state home discover case of live military grenades packed with TNT

Renovation Crew in Washington State Unearths Live TNT-Packed Military Grenades Hidden in Home

In a startling discovery during a home renovation, contractors in Washington State…
Truckload of 'aggressive' research monkeys escape after truck crash in Mississippi; 1 still on the loose

Mississippi’s Escaped Monkey ‘Forrest’ Finds a Safe Haven and New Beginnings in New Jersey Sanctuary

The last of the monkeys that made a daring escape from a…
Pastor announces gender transition during service with congregation: 'Giving up pretending to be a man'

Pastor Embraces Authentic Self: Announces Gender Transition to Congregation in Moving Service

In a bold and heartfelt revelation, a Methodist pastor from New York…
Cruise ship death: Cheerleader’s stepmom could be forced to testify against her own son

Father of Teen Who Passed Away on Carnival Cruise Avoids Subpoena in Ongoing Custody Battle

The father of a Florida teenager who tragically passed away on a…
White House Refuses to Apologize for Using Sabrina Carpenter Song

White House Stands Firm: No Apology for Sabrina Carpenter Song Controversy

The White House has stood its ground, declining to issue an apology…
Trump dismisses affordability concerns as Democratic ‘con job’

Trump Slams Democrats Over ‘Con Job’ Claims on Economic Affordability

On Tuesday, President Trump dismissed the notion of affordability as a “con…