Media Contact:
Annie Goeller
Chief Communications Officer
Indiana Department of Correction
[email protected]

Media Advisory
For Immediate Release

Michigan City, IN – This morning, the Indiana Supreme Court’s order for the execution of Benjamin Donnie Ritchie was carried out.

Ritchie was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2000 murder of Beech Grove Police Officer William "Bill" Toney.

The execution process started shortly after 12:00 a.m. CDT on May 20, 2025.

Ritchie was pronounced dead at 12:46 a.m. CDT on May 20, 2025.

His last meal was the Tour of Italy from Olive Garden.

His last words were: "I love my family, my friends, and all the support I've gotten. I hope they all find peace."