Indiana executes Roy Lee Ward for 2001 rape‑murder
Indiana executed Roy Lee Ward for the 2001 rape and killing of a 15‑year‑old girl; his initial 2002 conviction and death sentence were overturned, he pleaded guilty in 2007, and subsequent appeals and clemency requests were denied. Ward’s last meal was a hamburger from Texas Corral and his DOC‑recorded final words were “Brian is going to read them;” his attorneys said he had recently been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and was remorseful, while the defense raised storage and temperature concerns about the pentobarbital the state said it had enough of to follow protocol, and the victim’s mother said the family has “endured emotional devastation”; Indiana is one of two death‑penalty states that bar media witnesses at executions.
📌 Key Facts
- Indiana executed Roy Lee Ward for the 2001 rape‑murder of a 15‑year‑old girl.
- Ward’s initial 2002 conviction and death sentence were overturned; he pleaded guilty in 2007. He and advocates filed a 2019 suit to halt executions; the Indiana Supreme Court declined a stay last month and Governor Mike Braun denied clemency.
- The Indiana Department of Correction said it had 'enough pentobarbital to follow the required protocol,' while Ward’s defense raised concerns about the drug’s storage and temperature.
- Ward’s recorded last words, per DOC records, were: 'Brian is going to read them.'
- Ward’s last meal was from Texas Corral and included a hamburger.
- Ward was recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and his attorneys said he skipped the parole board interview to avoid forcing the victim’s family to travel.
- Attorney Joanna Green said Ward was 'very remorseful,' and spiritual adviser Deacon Brian Nosbusch said Ward acknowledged his actions.
- Victim’s mother Julie Wininger told the parole board the family 'has endured emotional devastation.'
- Indiana is one of two death‑penalty states that bar media witnesses at executions.
📰 Sources (2)
- Ward’s last meal was from Texas Corral and included a hamburger.
- DOC-recorded last words: “Brian is going to read them.”
- Indiana DOC said it had 'enough pentobarbital to follow the required protocol'; defense raised storage/temperature concerns about the drug.
- Indiana is one of two death‑penalty states that bar media witnesses at executions.
- Ward recently received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, per his attorneys; he skipped the parole board interview to avoid forcing the victim’s family to travel.
- Quotes added: Attorney Joanna Green said Ward was 'very remorseful'; spiritual adviser Deacon Brian Nosbusch said Ward acknowledged his actions.
- Victim’s mother Julie Wininger told the parole board the family 'has endured emotional devastation.'
- Legal timeline details reiterated: initial 2002 conviction and death sentence overturned; 2007 guilty plea; 2019 suit to halt executions; Indiana Supreme Court declined a stay last month and Gov. Mike Braun denied clemency.