Beech Grove, Indiana — After a quarter-century marked by grief, legal battles, and calls for justice, the State of Indiana carried out the execution of Benjamin Ritchie on May 23, 2025, at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. The 44-year-old was put to death by lethal injection for the murder of Officer William “Bill” Toney, a respected Beech Grove police officer fatally shot on May 28, 2000. This execution brings a somber closure to a case that has haunted the community and law enforcement for 25 years.
Officer Bill Toney was a young, dedicated law enforcement officer, just 31 years old at the time of his death. Serving the Beech Grove Police Department for over six years, Toney was known for his steadfast commitment to protecting his community and was regarded as a pillar of strength and safety in the Indianapolis suburb. His death marked the first killing of an on-duty officer in Beech Grove in over a decade, deeply wounding the close-knit community.
The fatal night unfolded on May 28, 2000, a quiet Sunday evening when Officer Toney attempted a routine stop near 17th and Albany Streets. His target was Benjamin Ritchie, then 24, a man with a history of criminal activity and ties to local gangs. The stop quickly escalated into a violent chase, with Toney pursuing Ritchie on foot through poorly lit residential streets. Eyewitnesses reported that Ritchie suddenly turned and fired multiple shots from a .38-caliber revolver, striking Toney several times, including a bullet that pierced his chest just above his protective vest. Despite emergency medical efforts, Toney died within an hour at Wishard Memorial Hospital. His last radio transmission, “I’ve been hit,” echoed during the trial, evoking tears from his colleagues and family.
The subsequent investigation mobilized a multi-agency manhunt. The Indianapolis Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and federal authorities worked in unison, receiving numerous tips that led to Ritchie’s placement on the U.S. Marshals’ Most Wanted list. Four days after the shooting, on June 1, 2000, Ritchie was apprehended in a Louisville motel under an alias, with the murder weapon recovered. He was promptly extradited to Indiana to face charges of first-degree murder, unlawful firearm possession, and resisting law enforcement.
The 2001 trial was a focal point of media attention, as prosecutors painted a picture of a violent man with a long history of criminal conduct. The case relied on eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and dashcam footage capturing the early moments of the pursuit. The jury deliberated less than eight hours before convicting Ritchie on all counts. The judge, condemning the crime as a “cold-blooded ambush,” sentenced Ritchie to death.
Over the following 24 years, Ritchie’s legal team mounted a series of appeals, arguing mental health issues and alleged ineffective counsel. Courts, including the Indiana Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, repeatedly denied relief. A 2017 federal stay of execution briefly paused proceedings to assess Ritchie’s mental competence but was later lifted. By 2023, with all avenues exhausted and clemency denied by Governor Eric Holcomb, the execution was scheduled.
On the night of May 23, law enforcement officers gathered in silent tribute outside the prison, honoring Toney’s sacrifice. Inside, Ritchie declined a final statement. His last meal reportedly consisted of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and pecan pie. At 12:06 a.m., Ritchie was pronounced dead. Among the witnesses were Toney’s grieving family members who had long advocated for justice.
In the wake of the execution, Beech Grove Mayor Dennis Buckley expressed condolences and praised Officer Toney’s heroism. “Bill represented the very best of our community,” he said. “Though his life was taken too soon, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he protected.” The Beech Grove Police Department renamed its training academy in Toney’s honor and hosts annual memorial events and scholarships for children of fallen officers, perpetuating his memory.
However, the execution reignited debates over the death penalty. Small protests outside the prison urged an end to state executions, emphasizing restorative justice over retribution. Rev. Carla Jensen, an advocate against capital punishment, stated, “Executing Benjamin Ritchie does not undo the pain of Officer Toney’s loss; it only continues a cycle of violence.”
Officer Toney’s widow, Michelle, voiced mixed emotions after the execution: “I’ve lived half my life without Bill. Our children grew up without their father. Nothing will bring him back, but now there is a measure of peace.”
This case starkly illustrates the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers and the profound, lasting effects of violent crime on communities. It also highlights the complexities of capital punishment, justice, and healing.
As Beech Grove moves forward, Officer Bill Toney’s story remains a powerful reminder of sacrifice and the ongoing pursuit of justice. His life, death, and the long journey that followed continue to shape the values and resolve of those who serve and protect.
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