by An Indiana death row inmate, convicted of killing a police officer who was covering a shift for a fellow officer, is scheduled for execution on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Benjamin Ritchie, 45, who has been on death row for over two decades, faces lethal injection at Indiana State Prison unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes with a last-minute stay.
What Happened
On the night of September 29, 2000, Beech Grove Police Officer William “Bill” Toney was filling in for a colleague when he encountered Benjamin Ritchie during a vehicle theft incident.
Toney, 31, was fatally shot during a foot chase after Ritchie had stolen a van from a gas station.
At the time of the shooting, Ritchie was on probation for a prior burglary conviction.
Key Details
- Victim: Officer William Toney, age 31, was not originally scheduled to work the shift.
- Incident Date: September 29, 2000.
- Location: Beech Grove, Indiana.
- Method of Execution: Lethal injection at Indiana State Prison.
- Execution Date: Scheduled for May 20, 2025, before sunrise.
Ritchie would be only the second inmate executed in Indiana over the past 15 years.
Reactions or Statements
In a statement, the Beech Grove Police Department honored Officer Toney’s sacrifice:
“His life was violently taken from him by someone whose actions harmed the innocent and ripped apart the very fabric that holds society together.”
Governor Mike Braun announced his approval of the execution:
“After carefully reviewing the unanimous recommendation from the State Parole Board, I have decided to allow the execution of Benjamin Ritchie to proceed as planned.”
During the clemency hearing, Officer Toney’s widow expressed her fatigue after 25 years:
“It is time to conclude this chapter of my, and our, story. It’s time to remember Bill’s life, not his death.”
Investigation or What’s Next
Ritchie’s legal team continues to pursue a last-minute appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
They argue that Ritchie suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and sustained permanent brain damage that should exempt him from capital punishment.
On May 14, the Indiana Parole Board unanimously denied clemency, and Governor Braun immediately authorized the execution to proceed.
FAQs
Q: Who was Officer William Toney?
A: A 31-year-old Beech Grove police officer who was killed while covering a shift for a fellow officer in 2000.
Q: Why is Ritchie on death row?
A: He fatally shot Officer Toney during a foot chase after stealing a van, while already on probation for burglary.
Q: What is Ritchie’s defense?
A: His attorneys argue he suffers from brain damage due to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, impacting his judgment.
Q: What date is the execution scheduled for?
A: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, by lethal injection.
Q: Has Indiana executed others recently?
A: Ritchie would be only the second person executed in the state in the past 15 years.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Benjamin Ritchie’s execution marks a significant and emotional conclusion to a decades-long case that deeply affected Indiana’s law enforcement community.
As the state prepares for the scheduled execution, the discussion continues around mental health, capital punishment, and justice for fallen officers like William Toney.
