STOP the Execution of Benjamin Ritchie

Indiana intends to execute Benjamin Ritchie on May 20, 2025 for the 2000 murder of Officer William Toney.

We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is an act of state sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life. In the words of Saint Pope John Paul II, “The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.”

Benjamin was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and a cognitive disorder. He was exposed to drugs and alcohol in utero and suffered repeated head injuries as a child. He was later diagnosed with Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS), a condition that causes permanent brain damage — specifically to the frontal lobe, the part of the brain that governs decision-making and impulse control. These disabilities make it hard for Benjamin to manage his emotions and behavior in moments of stress.

None of this information was ever presented to a jury. He offered to plead guilty in exchange for life without parole, but the state rejected his offer.

Contact Governor Braun and urge him to stop the execution of Benjamin Ritchie.