In brief
Roy Lee Ward, convicted of murdering teenager Stacy Payne in 2001, was executed by lethal injection in Indiana after exhausting all legal avenues. The execution raised concerns about the state’s use and storage of pentobarbital, the drug used in the procedure. The victim's family expressed relief at the justice served, while Ward's attorney noted his remorse and recent autism diagnosis.
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 had been convicted for the rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne, who he attacked with a knife and a dumbbell in her family’s home near Dale, about 30 miles east of Evansville. The violent crime sent shockwaves through the small community of around 1,500 residents.
Ward had exhausted all legal options following over two decades of court proceedings. His attorney, Joanna Green, stated that Ward expressed being 'very remorseful' about his crime just days before the execution.
The execution raised concerns regarding Indiana’s handling of the powerful sedative pentobarbital. After a 15-year pause, state officials resumed executions, stating they had acquired previously unavailable drugs for lethal injections.
The Indiana Department of Correction assured they had enough pentobarbital to execute Ward despite concerns from his attorneys regarding its storage conditions.
Notably, Indiana is among only two states that prohibit media witnesses during executions. Ward's witnesses were limited to his attorneys and spiritual advisers. His long legal battle included a plea deal after an overturned conviction in 2007; the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear his case came in 2019, and the Indiana Supreme Court denied a stay of execution last month.
Family members of the victim stated they were ready for justice, mourning the loss of Payne, an honor student and cheerleader. Her mother conveyed to the parole board that their family gatherings were forever altered by the tragedy.
Ward did not attend the parole board interview for his clemency, citing a desire not to burden the victim's family with a trip to the prison. His recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder has also been mentioned as affecting his communication abilities. One spiritual adviser affirmed that Ward is aware of the gravity of his past actions.
