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
Security at California Coast Guard base opens fire on U-Haul truck posing 'direct threat'

California Coast Guard Base Incident: Security Neutralizes ‘Direct Threat’ from U-Haul Truck

On Thursday night, shots were fired at a Coast Guard facility in…
Watch: Pritzker Shows Us Who He Really Is in Response to Important Question on ICE Actions in Chicago

Pritzker’s Candid Response to Crucial ICE Query in Chicago: What You Need to Know

Recently, Chicago has been a focal point of heightened tensions as federal…
US deploys Ford carrier strike group to combat narco-terror in Western Hemisphere

US Deploys Ford Carrier Strike Group to Tackle Narco-Terrorism in Western Hemisphere

The Trump administration has issued orders for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier…
Oswego, IL Chick-fil-A: Darryl Lee Jr., 19, charged with murder in stabbing, attack at restaurant on Route 34 held in custody

Oswego Chick-fil-A Stabbing: 19-Year-Old Darryl Lee Jr. Charged with Murder at Route 34 Restaurant

A man implicated in a fatal stabbing incident at a Chick-Fil-A in…
Ontario premier says he'll pull ad that upset Trump so trade talks between Canada and US can resume

Ontario Premier Withdraws Controversial Ad to Reopen Canada-US Trade Dialogues

TORONTO (AP) — The Premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, announced…
‘Everything’s on the table’: Former detective breaks down murder of manager of famed strip club

Former Detective Analyzes High-Profile Murder of Renowned Strip Club Manager: ‘All Possibilities Considered

Authorities are delving into all potential motives behind the early-morning shooting that…
Officials release new details weeks after blast at Tennessee explosives plant kills 16

New Details Unveiled in Tragic Tennessee Explosives Plant Blast That Claimed 16 Lives

In the wake of a devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, officials…
Officials investigating after deadly crane collapse in commercial area north of Boston

Tragic Crane Collapse Under Investigation in Boston’s Northern Suburbs

Tragedy struck just north of Boston on Friday, as a crane collapse…
Frantic manhunt launched after asylum seeker who sexually assaulted teen accidentally freed from prison

Intense Manhunt Underway: Asylum Seeker Mistakenly Released After Teen Sexual Assault Conviction

Criticism has been directed at the UK’s immigration system following the inadvertent…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Tragic Discovery: Missing Vermont Student Lia Smith’s Body Found Near Middlebury Campus

During the search for a missing Vermont college student, a body has…
Security video captures moment former mayor stabbed multiple times outside his blue state business

Security Footage Reveals Former Mayor Stabbed Repeatedly Outside Business in Blue State

A dramatic incident unfolded outside a Massachusetts cannabis dispensary on Monday afternoon,…
Man shot 10 times protecting high school cheerleader who died after shooting at bonfire: report

Heroic Act: Man Fatally Shot Defending Cheerleader at Tragic Bonfire Incident

An Alabama resident claims he endured ten gunshot wounds while attempting to…