Benjamin Ritchie's Execution Looms at Indiana State Prison

Death row inmate Benjamin Ritchie is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, just before sunrise on Tuesday. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to stop the execution on Monday.

Ritchie was convicted of shooting and killing Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney in 2000 while fleeing from a stolen van.

Toney's widow, Dee Dee Toney Horen, has expressed her desire for closure in the case. She recently testified to the Indiana Parole Board, saying, "It's time to remember Bill's life, not his death."

Ritchie is allowed to have five witnesses attend his execution, including a religious adviser. Ritchie had sued to have a spiritual adviser present to give communion, take his confession, and pray with him during the execution.

Toney's family, including his mother, plan to attend the execution.

Since the execution date was set last year, Indiana State Prison staff have practiced the procedure weekly, including inserting an IV line into a live volunteer.

In recent weeks, Ritchie has apologized for his actions, stating that any good he does in his final moments will be in Toney's name. However, Toney's family has said they do not need the deeds of his killer to honor the late officer.