INDIANAPOLIS — Tuesday morning, the State of Indiana carried out the execution of Benjamin Donnie Ritchie, who was convicted of murdering Beech Grove Police Officer William "Bill" Toney in 2000.
This execution, taking place on May 20, 2025, marks the end of a long legal journey that included multiple appeals and protests against the death penalty.
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The execution began shortly after midnight and Ritchie was pronounced dead at 12:46 a.m. For his final meal, he chose the "Tour of Italy" from Olive Garden, a selection of Italian dishes.
Before his death, Ritchie shared his last words: "I love my family, my friends, and all the support I've gotten. I hope they all find peace."
Following the execution, Mark Koselke, Deputy State Public Defender, released a statement expressing concern over the fairness of Ritchie's sentence:
“Benjamin Ritchie spent his final days reconnecting with those who love him and discovering the positive impact he had on many people’s lives. Tonight was the result of prioritizing finality over fairness. We continue to believe, as did half of the Indiana Supreme Court, that Ben’s execution was inappropriate. Indiana executed a man with profound brain damage and developmental disabilities.”
In support of the execution, Indiana Governor Mike Braun issued his own statement:
“Since Benjamin Ritchie's conviction in 2002, his case has been heard and reviewed numerous times by both state and federal courts, including the Indiana Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, never resulting in an overturned sentence. Ritchie's final appeal for clemency was met with an unanimous recommendation from the State Parole Board that his execution proceeded as scheduled. Today, Ritchie's sentence has been carried out as ordered by the court."
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) also released a statement celebrating the execution:
“The hour has come. Nearly 25 years later, Justice is fully served. The sanctity of innocent life is paramount. 'Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.' - Genesis 9:6. We pray for the family of Beech Grove Police Officer William "Bill" Toney End of Watch 9/29/2000. They have patiently awaited the full measure of the law to be carried out. While this can never restore their loss, it upholds the value of Bill's life and the sacrifice that he and this family made. To the residents of Beech Grove, know that we will always stand the line for your safety and protection. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.’”
