Benjamin Ritchie Executed for the 2000 Murder of Beech Grove Officer Bill Toney
In a solemn conclusion to a decades-long case that has weighed heavily on the law enforcement community and the city of Beech Grove, Indiana, Benjamin Ritchie was executed by lethal injection for the 2000 killing of Officer Bill Toney. The execution took place on May 23, 2025, at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Ritchie’s death marks the closing of a painful chapter for many who have carried the memory of Officer Toney’s sacrifice for over two decades.
The Tragic Night: A Life Taken in the Line of Duty
On the night of May 28, 2000, Officer Bill Toney, a dedicated member of the Beech Grove Police Department, was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of Benjamin Ritchie. According to court records and witness testimony, Officer Toney had attempted to stop Ritchie, who was wanted on several warrants. The situation escalated into a chase, during which Ritchie turned and opened fire, striking Officer Toney.
Officer Toney, a respected law enforcement officer and community figure, was the first in the history of the small Beech Grove department to be killed by gunfire in the line of duty. His death sent shockwaves throughout the community and forever changed the lives of his family, colleagues, and friends.
A Long Road to Justice
Benjamin Ritchie was apprehended and eventually convicted of murder in the years following the incident. The trial painted a chilling picture of the events leading up to the shooting, and the jury ultimately found Ritchie guilty, sentencing him to death. Numerous appeals followed, as is customary in capital cases, but the courts upheld the conviction and sentence.
Over the years, the case became a somber symbol of the risks officers face daily and the lasting wounds left by such tragedies. Officer Toney’s name has since been etched into various memorials dedicated to fallen officers, and his legacy has been honored annually by the department and the wider Indiana law enforcement community.
The Execution
On the day of the execution, Ritchie was given the opportunity to make a final statement, in which he reportedly expressed remorse but did not offer specific apologies to the Toney family. Witnesses to the execution included members of Officer Toney’s family and representatives from law enforcement. The lethal injection was administered without incident, and Ritchie was pronounced dead at 12:09 a.m.
Remembering Officer Bill Toney
Officer Toney is remembered not only for the circumstances of his death but for the life he lived in service to his community. He was known among his peers for his work ethic, courage, and compassion. Friends describe him as a man who deeply cared about protecting others and who wore his badge with pride and humility.
His death left behind a grieving family, including a wife and children, who have since become advocates for fallen officers and a source of strength within the law enforcement survivor community. The Beech Grove Police Department continues to honor his legacy, often referencing his sacrifice during graduation ceremonies, community events, and annual police memorials.
Conclusion
The execution of Benjamin Ritchie brings a legal end to a story that began with unimaginable loss. While no sentence can ever truly bring back a life taken too soon, it does mark a moment of closure for the Toney family and the city of Beech Grove.
As the community reflects on this tragedy, the enduring message remains clear: Officer Bill Toney’s life and service will never be forgotten. His legacy stands as a testament to the courage and selflessness of those who protect and serve, even in the face of grave danger.
Rest in peace, Officer Toney. Your memory lives on in the hearts of those you served and protected.
