INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WEVV) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced that the execution of Benjamin Ritchie will move forward, following the Indiana Parole Board’s decision to deny a clemency request.

Ritchie was convicted of the murder of a Beech Grove police officer nearly 25 years ago. The case has drawn renewed attention as defense attorneys sought to have his sentence commuted to life in prison without parole.

The defense team argued that Ritchie suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, which they claim resulted in significant brain damage that impaired his judgment and decision-making at the time of the crime.

Despite these arguments, the parole board declined to recommend clemency, clearing the way for the execution to proceed as scheduled.

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