Indiana Executes Benjamin Ritchie

Benjamin Ritchie, convicted of killing Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney in 2000, was executed by lethal injection in United States — Indianapolis. This marks United States — Indianapolis's second execution in 15 years, following a hiatus due to a scarcity of lethal injection drugs. Benjamin Ritchie's attorneys fought the death sentence for years, citing his fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, childhood lead exposure, and bipolar disorder, arguing these led to severe brain damage and impaired decision-making. However, the United States — Supreme Court of the United States, United States — Indiana Supreme Court, and United States — United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit all denied his appeals. Republican Governor Mike Braun also rejected his clemency bid. The United States — Indiana Department of Correction oversaw the execution. The Associated Press and other media organizations filed a lawsuit seeking media access to executions, as United States — Indianapolis is one of two states that bars media witnesses, but a preliminary injunction was denied.