Last Updated 1 week by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WISH) — Death row inmate Benjamin Ritchie, convicted of killing a Beech Grove police officer nearly 25 years ago, had one hour to make his case that the state should spare his life during a Monday clemency hearing.

On Sept. 29, 2000, Ritchie and two others stole a van. It led to a police chase that ultimately ended with Ritchie shooting Officer William Toney in the neck, killing him. 

“I ruined my life and other people’s lives, and I’m so sorry for that night,” Ritchie told the Indiana Parole Board during Monday’s hearing inside Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. 

The board listened to Ritchie and asked him questions about why he believes the state shouldn’t carry out its plan to execute him by lethal injection on May 20. 

The board described it as a “fact-finding” hearing that will help them make a recommendation to Gov. Mike Braun on whether to grant clemency. The board’s recommendation is non-binding; Braun will make the ultimate call.

“I was just a kid,” Ritchie said. “Just bent on blowing his own life up and everybody else’s life around me.”

Toney left behind a wife and two daughters — 4 years old and 18 months old.

Toney’s widow declined to talk about the hearing when contacted by News 8. 

A week before Christmas 2024, Indiana executed its first inmate in 15 year: Joseph Corcoran.

The state filed the request to set Ritchie’s execution date the same week as the 24th anniversary of Toney’s death.

In recent attempts to stop his execution, Ritchie’s defense argued he has extensive brain damage from partial fetal alcohol syndrome, which affected his impulse control, especially as a 20 years old when the crime happened.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Todd Rokita told News 8 in an email, “As is our duty, we will continue to defend this lawful conviction and sentence through every step of the process.” 

Ritchie, now age 44, didn’t mention legal defenses to sway the board to stay his execution; instead focused on his remorse, efforts to rehabilitate, and hopes to help others in prison. 

“I try to do positive things now,” Ritchie said.” I was so bent on destroying other people’s lives, the only thing I can do is try to give back now.”

When asked what he would tell Toney’s family if he’s allowed to live, Ritchie said any good he does will be in Toney’s name. “It’s horrible that he lost his life. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could take it back. Me helping other screwups not re-offend, not come back to Indiana’s prisons, I think his life could best be served that way.”

Another clemency hearing will be next Monday in Indianapolis.