UPDATE: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement Tuesday morning:

"Early this morning, justice was served with the execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who was convicted of the heinous murder of Beech Grove Police Officer William Toney on September 29, 2000."

“Today’s action ensures that justice was done to honor Officer Toney’s sacrifice for his community. With the Indiana Supreme Court’s decision to set his execution date and the state’s resolve to carry it out, we have reaffirmed our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities. Let this serve as a message to those who would harm our men and women in law enforcement.”

Indiana Governor Mike Braun released the following statement Tuesday as well:

“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."

ORIGINAL: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- A man convicted of shooting and killing a Beech Grove Police officer in 2000 was executed at 12:46 a.m. central time at the Indiana State Prison.

Benjamin Ritchie, 45, was convicted of killing Bill Toney and put on death row in 2002. Ritchie was on probation after being convicted of burglary in 1998 when stole a van in Beech Grove. He was pursued on foot by officer Bill Toney when Ritchie fired four gunshots and killed him.

The Indiana Department of Correction says it began the process to give Ritchie a lethal dose of pentobarbital shortly after midnight.

The Beech Grove Police Department said in a statement Monday, "Officer William Toney lost his life 25 years ago serving the community he lived in. Taking a solemn oath to uphold the constitution and the laws of this great state, that its citizens may lead a peaceful life. His life was violently taken from him by an individual whose actions adversely affected the innocent and ripped at the very fabric that holds society together. While there is no peace in the execution, there is comfort in the realization that society has kept its promise to the men and women of law enforcement to hold those accountable for their reckless choices and damaging actions, so that those still serving find strength knowing that their service is not in vain." 

Ritchie had exhausted all of his appeals years ago but sought clemency to change his death sentence to a life sentence in prison. Advocates argued Ritchie suffered from brain damage because of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in his childhood, and for that reason should've been spared. In the last week, the Indiana Parole Board denied recommending clemency and Governor Mike Braun chose not to grant clemency himself.

“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," Governor Mike Braun said in a statement Tuesday. "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."

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita also says, “Today’s action ensures that justice was done to honor Officer Toney’s sacrifice for his community. With the Indiana Supreme Court’s decision to set his execution date and the state’s resolve to carry it out, we have reaffirmed our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities. Let this serve as a message to those who would harm our men and women in law enforcement.”

Ritchie is the second inmate put to death by the State of Indiana in 15 years, after the execution of Joseph Corcoran in December. Corcoran was convicted of killing four people in Fort Wayne in 1997. Indiana officials announced executions would resume in the state for the first time since 2009 after acquiring lethal doses of the sedative pentobarbital in June 2024.

“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," stated Mark Koselke, Deputy State Public Defender.

According to the IDOC, Ritchie's last words were "I love my family, my friends, and all the support I've gotten. I hope they all find peace."