The Investigation and Capture

The murder of a police officer prompted an unprecedented multi-agency manhunt. Within 48 hours, the Indianapolis Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and federal authorities launched a comprehensive investigation. Tips poured in from the public, and Ritchie was placed on the U.S. Marshals’ Most Wanted list.

Four days after the shooting, on June 1, 2000, Ritchie was captured in a motel on the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky. He was found hiding under an assumed name and in possession of the same firearm used to kill Officer Toney. Ballistics later confirmed the match. Ritchie was extradited to Indiana within days to face charges of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and resisting law enforcement.

The Trial and Conviction

Ritchie’s trial began in the spring of 2001 and attracted widespread media coverage. Prosecutors from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office presented a strong case built on eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and Ritchie’s criminal history, which painted a picture of a man with a long-standing pattern of violent and erratic behavior.

Key testimony came from fellow officers who responded to the scene and civilian witnesses who watched the chase unfold from their homes. One pivotal piece of evidence was the dashboard camera footage from Toney’s patrol car, which, though limited in visibility due to the night, captured the early moments of the pursuit and Ritchie’s attempts to evade arrest.

The jury deliberated for less than eight hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts. On May 10, 2001, Benjamin Ritchie was sentenced to death. The sentencing judge described the killing as “a cold-blooded ambush on a public servant who dedicated his life to protecting others.”

Two Decades of Appeals

What followed was a 24-year legal saga filled with appeals, petitions, and procedural delays. Ritchie’s defense attorneys argued that he suffered from untreated mental health conditions and claimed ineffective counsel during his original trial. These appeals, reviewed by the Indiana Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, were consistently denied.

In 2017, a federal judge briefly granted a stay of execution to examine Ritchie’s mental competence, but that order was later vacated. By 2023, with all appeals exhausted and clemency denied by Governor Eric Holcomb, the Indiana Department of Correction scheduled the execution for May 23, 2025.

The Execution: Final Moments

On the night of the execution, dozens of law enforcement officers gathered outside the prison in silent vigil, some holding candles and wearing badges etched with Officer Toney’s name. Inside, Ritchie was offered the opportunity to make a final statement but declined. His last meal reportedly included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and a slice of pecan pie.

At precisely 12:06 a.m., Ritchie was pronounced dead. Witnesses included members of Officer Toney’s family, several of whom had campaigned vigorously to see justice carried out. Outside, Toney’s former colleagues, many now retired or in higher positions, stood at attention as the news of Ritchie’s death was confirmed.

Reflections and Legacy

In the aftermath of the execution, many in Beech Grove reflected on the enduring impact of Officer Toney’s death and the long road to justice. Mayor Dennis Buckley released a statement praising Toney’s heroism and acknowledging the emotional burden carried by the police force and the community for 25 years.

“Officer Bill Toney represented the very best of Beech Grove,” Buckley said. “His life was taken far too soon, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of the citizens he swore to protect.”

The Beech Grove Police Department has since renamed its training facility the “Toney Law Enforcement Academy” in his honor. Each year, the department hosts a memorial 5K run and scholarship fundraiser for the children of fallen officers, many of whom cite Toney as an inspiration for pursuing a career in law enforcement.

A Divided Public Response

While many celebrated the execution as the rightful conclusion to a heinous crime, others questioned the value and morality of the death penalty. Advocacy groups against capital punishment staged a small protest outside the prison gates, holding signs that read “Justice, Not Revenge” and “Stop State Killings.” One protestor, Rev. Carla Jensen, stated, “While we mourn Officer Toney’s loss, executing Benjamin Ritchie does not bring him back—it only perpetuates a cycle of violence.”

Still, for the Toney family, justice was finally served. In a press conference following the execution, Officer Toney’s widow, Michelle, expressed mixed emotions but ultimately relief.

“I’ve lived half my life without Bill,” she said, her voice steady. “My kids grew up without their father. Nothing will ever make that right, but at least now, there is peace.”

Conclusion

The story of Officer Bill Toney’s murder and the subsequent execution of Benjamin Ritchie is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face and the enduring consequences of violent crime. It is also a narrative about persistence, public service, and the long, often painful journey toward justice.

Though the execution has closed one chapter, Officer Toney’s memory continues to shape the culture and values of the Beech Grove Police Department and the city he served. In a society often divided by questions of justice and retribution, the life and death of Officer Bill Toney remain a powerful example of duty, sacrifice, and the high cost of service.