Indiana Executes Third Convicted Killer, Rapist Since Resumption Last Year

An Indiana man has been executed following his conviction for the rape and murder of a teenage girl in 2001. Roy Lee Ward, aged 53, was put to death by lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. This marks the third execution in Indiana since the state resumed capital punishment last year.

Details of the Execution

The execution took place shortly after midnight, with Ward pronounced dead at 12:33 a.m. His last meal consisted of a hamburger from Texas Corral. In his final words, Ward stated, “Brian is going to read them,” although the context of this statement remains unclear.

The Crime

Ward was convicted for the brutal rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne, who was attacked in her family home near Dale, Indiana, approximately 30 miles east of Evansville. Reports indicate that he used a knife and a dumbbell in the attack. The community of roughly 1,500 residents was deeply affected by the crime, resulting in a long legal battle.

Legal Proceedings

• Ward was convicted in 2002 and sentenced to death.
• His conviction was overturned by the Indiana Supreme Court, leading to a retrial.
• In 2007, he pleaded guilty, after which the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case in 2017.
• In 2019, he filed a lawsuit against the state, attempting to halt all pending executions.
• Ward’s clemency bid was rejected by Governor Mike Braun.

Family and Community Impact

Stacy Payne’s family expressed their ongoing grief and called for justice. Julie Wininger, Payne’s mother, emphasized the emotional toll on the family, noting the holidays and gatherings that feel incomplete without her daughter. “Birthdays are sad reminders of what we lost,” she said.

Controversies Surrounding the Execution

Ward’s execution raises questions about the use of pentobarbital, the sedative used in lethal injections. The Indiana Department of Correction stated it had procured sufficient quantities of the drug, although concerns about its storage and temperature were raised by Ward’s attorneys. Notably, Indiana is one of only two states that prohibit media witnesses from attending executions.

Remorse and Statements from Advisors

Ward’s attorney, Joanna Green, indicated that he expressed remorse for his crime prior to the execution. Furthermore, his spiritual advisor, Deacon Brian Nosbusch, noted Ward’s acknowledgment of his actions, stating, “He knows he did it. He knows it was horrendous.” This execution serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of violent crimes on victims’ families and communities.