CHICAGO (AP) — An Indiana man convicted in the 2001 rape and murder of a teenage girl was executed by injection early Friday in the state’s third execution since resuming capital punishment last year. Roy Lee Ward, 53, was put to death at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.
He was convicted in the rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne. Authorities said Ward attacked the girl with a knife and dumbbell in her family’s home near Dale, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Evansville. The crime rocked the small community of roughly 1,500 people.
Ward had exhausted his legal options after more than two decades. His attorney, Joanna Green, stated just days before the execution that Ward was “very remorseful” about the crime.
The execution of Ward occurred amid ongoing discussions regarding Indiana’s handling of the powerful sedative pentobarbital. State officials had ended a 15-year pause on executions last year, claiming they had secured the necessary drugs for lethal injections.
The Indiana Department of Correction indicated it had procured "enough pentobarbital to follow the required protocol” for Ward’s execution. However, Ward’s attorneys raised issues regarding the storage of the drug and its handling, including temperature concerns.
Among the 27 states with death penalty laws, Indiana is one of only two that prohibit media witnesses to executions. Ward’s witness list included attorneys and spiritual advisers.
His case extended through the courts for more than 20 years, culminating in a conviction in 2002. The Indiana Supreme Court had previously overturned his conviction, leading to a 2007 guilty plea. In 2019, Ward sought to halt all pending executions in the state. Last month, the Indiana Supreme Court declined to postpone his execution and Gov. Mike Braun rejected his clemency request.
The victim’s family stated they were ready for justice, recalling Payne as a talented honor student and cheerleader whose loss left a profound void in their lives. Julie Wininger, Payne’s mother, remarked that family gatherings now feel incomplete.
However, concerns were raised about Ward's mental state after he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, affecting his ability to communicate effectively. His spiritual adviser, Deacon Brian Nosbusch, highlighted Ward's deep understanding of his actions, acknowledging the horror of his crime.
He was convicted in the rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne. Authorities said Ward attacked the girl with a knife and dumbbell in her family’s home near Dale, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Evansville. The crime rocked the small community of roughly 1,500 people.
Ward had exhausted his legal options after more than two decades. His attorney, Joanna Green, stated just days before the execution that Ward was “very remorseful” about the crime.
The execution of Ward occurred amid ongoing discussions regarding Indiana’s handling of the powerful sedative pentobarbital. State officials had ended a 15-year pause on executions last year, claiming they had secured the necessary drugs for lethal injections.
The Indiana Department of Correction indicated it had procured "enough pentobarbital to follow the required protocol” for Ward’s execution. However, Ward’s attorneys raised issues regarding the storage of the drug and its handling, including temperature concerns.
Among the 27 states with death penalty laws, Indiana is one of only two that prohibit media witnesses to executions. Ward’s witness list included attorneys and spiritual advisers.
His case extended through the courts for more than 20 years, culminating in a conviction in 2002. The Indiana Supreme Court had previously overturned his conviction, leading to a 2007 guilty plea. In 2019, Ward sought to halt all pending executions in the state. Last month, the Indiana Supreme Court declined to postpone his execution and Gov. Mike Braun rejected his clemency request.
The victim’s family stated they were ready for justice, recalling Payne as a talented honor student and cheerleader whose loss left a profound void in their lives. Julie Wininger, Payne’s mother, remarked that family gatherings now feel incomplete.
However, concerns were raised about Ward's mental state after he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, affecting his ability to communicate effectively. His spiritual adviser, Deacon Brian Nosbusch, highlighted Ward's deep understanding of his actions, acknowledging the horror of his crime.
