Death Row inmate's heartbreaking final six words before police killer died by lethal injection

A convict on has been executed after Benjamin Ritchie, 45, was killed by lethal injection at around 6am UK time on Tuesday, having spent more than two decades in prison.

He was previously convicted in of Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney during a foot chase over two decades ago. His last hope of remaining alive was shot down just two hours before his execution when the United States Supreme Court stated: “The application for stay of execution of sentence of death presented to Justice Barrett and by her referred to the Court is denied. The petition for a writ of certiorari is denied”.

The execution was carried out in Indiana, which continued the death penalty in December after years away from the controversial practice, attributed largely to limited availability of the lethal drugs.

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

For his last meal, - a Tour of Italy dish from Olive Garden, which consists of Chicken Parmigiana, Lasangna Classico and Fettuccine Alfredo on one plate.

A coalition of media outlets launched a federal lawsuit in Indiana to secure media access, but a federal judge rejected a preliminary injunction last week that would have permitted journalists to attend Ritchie's execution, as well as any in the future.

The judge ruled that excluding the news media does not breach the First Amendment nor does it unfairly single out the press.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita stated: "Early this morning, justice was served with the execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who was convicted of the heinous murder of Beech Grove Police Officer William Toney on September 29, 2000.

"Today's action ensures that justice was done to honour Officer Toney's sacrifice for his community. Let this serve as a message to those who would harm our men and women in law enforcement."

Ritchie was only 20 years old when he was apprehended and charged. He and others had stolen a van in Beech Grove, near Indianapolis, before firing four shots at police officer Toney during a foot chase, killing him.

At the time, Ritchie was also on probation for a 1998 burglary conviction.

Toney was 31 years old and had served as an officer at the Beech Grove Police Department for two years. He was the first of approximately 30 officers to be killed by a firearm while on duty.

"Everyone of us involved, including Bill, had something stolen from them that they'll never get back," said Deputy Police Chief Tom Hurrle, who worked alongside Toney.

The tragedy shocked the community of around 14,000 residents, who remembered the father of two as someone who always lent a helping hand. Ritchie's final days were punctuated by visits from friends and family.

State regulations permit him up to five witnesses for his execution, including legal representatives and companions.

"I've ruined my life and other people's lives, and I'm so sorry for that night," he expressed remorsefully to the parole board earlier this month. "You can't take back what you did."

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