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
Tulsi Gabbard 'Is Lying' Says Ex-CIA Official Who Oversaw Russian Intelligence on the 2016 Elections

Ex-CIA Official Accuses Tulsi Gabbard of False Statements on Russian Intel Involvement in 2016 Election

Retired CIA counterintelligence chief Susan Miller has stepped up in defense of…
Illegal immigrant caught working as police officer in Maine while attempting to buy firearm

Undocumented Immigrant Discovered Working as Maine Police Officer During Firearm Purchase Attempt

An auxiliary police officer from Old Orchard Beach was detained by ICE…
At least 3 people shot within an hour in separate bloody incidents at NYC Dominican Day Parade: sources

Three People Shot in Separate Incidents During NYC Dominican Day Parade: Sources

Police and sources reported that at least three individuals were injured in…
Elmhurst flooding today: Storm brings heavy rain to west suburb, floods buildings, homes and streets, prompting road closures

Severe Storms Hit Elmhurst: Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Homes and Streets, Leading to Road Closures in West Suburb

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) — Storms brought gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain…

Three people perish in small plane crash off California coast, officials report

MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) — All three individuals aboard a small twin-engine airplane…
South Chicago crime: Chicago Police Department issues warning about armed robbery incidents in South Side neighborhood

South Chicago Crime Update: Police Alert Residents About Armed Robberies in South Side Neighborhood

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are warning South Side residents about a…

Illinois Heat Wave: Air Conditioning Problems Lead to Rush Hospital ER Diverting Ambulances During Chicago Heat Advisory

CHICAGO (WLS) — An air conditioning problem caused a prolonged bypass at…
Active shooter report prompts massive police response in midtown Manhattan business district

Large Police Presence in Midtown Manhattan Business District After Active Shooter Alert

At least six individuals were injured by gunfire on Monday, and the…
3.6 million HydroTech hoses recalled in US over burst risk

Recall Alert: 3.6 Million HydroTech Hoses in the US Due to Burst Hazard

These hoses have caused at least 29 injuries, including temporarily impaired hearing,…
Couple killed at Arkansas' Devil's Den State Park 'died heroes protecting their little girls,' family says

Family Claims Arkansas Couple Who Perished at Devil’s Den State Park Were ‘Heroes Saving Their Daughters’

The couple who lost their lives over the weekend at Arkansas’ Devil’s…
Watch: Trump Critics Can’t Even Spin Historic EU Trade Deal and It’s Hilarious

Watch: Trump’s Critics Struggle to Spin EU Trade Deal – It’s Quite Amusing

On Monday, the Trump 47 White House’s Official Rapid Response account posted…
Travis Decker speaking to police.

Police Release Disheartening Update on Major Travis Decker in Search for Fugitive Father Accused of Killing Three Daughters

COPS have released an update on their search for dad Travis Decker,…