MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — In the early hours of May 20, 2025, Benjamin Donnie Ritchie, 45, was executed by lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison for the 2000 murder of Beech Grove Police Officer William “Bill” Toney.
This execution marks Indiana’s second in 15 years, following a hiatus due to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs and legal disputes over execution protocols.
The Crime and Conviction
On September 29, 2000, Officer Toney, 31, was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of Ritchie, who had stolen a van in Beech Grove, a suburb of Indianapolis.
At the time, Ritchie was on probation for a 1998 burglary conviction. He was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with multiple offenses, including murder.
In 2002, a jury convicted Ritchie of murder and other related charges. The court sentenced him to death, citing aggravating factors such as his prior criminal record and the fact that the victim was a law enforcement officer performing his duties.
Legal Appeals and Clemency Efforts
Over the years, Ritchie’s legal team filed multiple appeals, arguing that he suffered from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, and cognitive impairments due to childhood lead exposure. They contended that these conditions should exempt him from the death penalty.
Despite these arguments, the Indiana Supreme Court and federal courts upheld his conviction and sentence. A final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied just hours before the execution.
In early May 2025, the Indiana Parole Board unanimously recommended against clemency. Governor Mike Braun concurred, stating that Ritchie’s case had been thoroughly reviewed and that the execution would proceed as ordered by the court.
Execution Details
Ritchie was executed shortly after midnight on May 20, 2025. The Indiana Department of Correction reported that the execution process began around 12:00 a.m., and Ritchie was pronounced dead at 12:46 a.m.
Due to Indiana’s policy, media representatives were not permitted to witness the execution. Only individuals on Ritchie’s approved witness list were allowed to attend. His attorney, Steve Schutte, who was present, described Ritchie as showing brief physical reactions during the procedure before becoming still.
Ritchie’s last meal was the “Tour of Italy” from Olive Garden. In his final statement, he expressed love for his family and friends, saying, “I love my family, my friends, and all the support I’ve gotten. I hope they all find peace.”
Reactions and Controversy
The execution has reignited debates over the death penalty, particularly concerning individuals with mental health issues and developmental disorders.
Advocacy groups argue that executing individuals like Ritchie, who reportedly suffered from cognitive impairments, raises ethical and legal concerns.
Additionally, Indiana’s policy of barring media from witnessing executions has faced criticism.
The Associated Press and other media organizations have filed a federal lawsuit challenging this restriction, claiming it violates the First Amendment and the public’s right to transparency in government proceedings.
Outside the prison, a group organized by the Catholic Diocese of Gary held a vigil opposing the death penalty and Ritchie’s execution. They prayed for Ritchie, his defense team, the prison staff, and the family of Officer Toney.
Conclusion
Benjamin Ritchie’s execution brings closure to a case that has spanned nearly a quarter-century. While some view the execution as justice served, others see it as a troubling example of the complexities and controversies surrounding capital punishment in the United States.
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