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
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…
Repeat offender accused of kidnapping, rape after online pickup months after avoiding prison time

Repeat Offender Faces New Charges of Kidnapping and Rape Following Online Encounter, Months After Skirting Prison Sentence

A Minnesota man with a history of sex crime convictions is facing…
Photo released of man suspected of setting homeless man ablaze on subway

Authorities Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect Accused of Setting Homeless Man on Fire in Subway Incident

Authorities are on the hunt for an arsonist accused of setting a…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Tragic Naperville Train Accident: Snow Removal Worker Fatally Struck by Freight Train Near 4th Ave Station

A tragic accident occurred in Naperville, Illinois, as a local contractor lost…
Palantir and Dataminr Cash In on Gaza with AI Surveillance

Profiting from Conflict: How Palantir and Dataminr Leverage AI Surveillance in Gaza

American surveillance firms Palantir and Dataminr have inserted themselves into the U.S.…
Texas Tech restricts teaching of race and gender, faculty could be disciplined for violating rule

Texas Tech Implements New Guidelines on Teaching Race and Gender, Faculty Face Potential Disciplinary Actions for Non-Compliance

In a significant move, Texas Tech University System’s Chancellor, Brandon Creighton, has…
'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026' announces largest performer lineup in history!

Record-Breaking Lineup Unveiled for 2026 ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest

Anticipation is building for an electrifying New Year’s Eve as a star-studded…
Man, 54, struck three times in Bronx shooting

Bronx Shooting Leaves 54-Year-Old Man Injured in Triple Gunfire Incident

A man in the Bronx became the target of a brutal shooting…
Illegal immigrant gang member killed police K9 'Spike' before officers returned fire in California: source

Tragic Clash: California Officers Respond After Gang Member Fatally Wounds Beloved K9 ‘Spike

Fox News has confirmed that the suspect accused of fatally shooting a…
‘Missiles detonating mere feet away’: Air Force F-16 commander earns rare Silver Star for Middle East mission

Air Force F-16 Commander Honored with Rare Silver Star for Heroic Close-Call Mission in Middle East

Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks, a seasoned F-16 commander in the Air…
Giving Tuesday 2025: Charities like United Way, GiGi's Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, IL say they need donations more than ever

Giving Tuesday 2025: United Way and GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, IL Urgently Appeal for Increased Donations

CHICAGO — Celebrated globally, Giving Tuesday has evolved into the most significant…
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…