MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.–The State of Indiana will likely execute Benjamin Ritchie next week for the killing 25 years ago of Beech Grove police Officer William Toney. Gov. Braun said Wednesday he agrees with the state Parole Board’s recommendation that clemency is not granted. 

“After carefully reviewing the unanimous recommendation from the State Parole Board, I have decided to allow the execution of Benjamin Ritchie to proceed as planned for May 20,” Braun said in a statement. 

Braun did not elaborate on the reasons. That was the extent of the statement. 

Though the Parole Board does not have the last word, the recommendation carries weight because they hear testimony and review facts presented by the convicted person’s team. 

In this case, Ricthie’s team argued that he had fetal alcohol syndrome and had problems with impulsive behavior as a result. 

He also argued that he had changed in the past 25 years and tries to make a positive difference. 

Toney was shot in the neck trying to catch Ricthie after he stole a van. Toney left behind a wife and four-year-old daughter. 

The execution, by lethal injection, will take place at the state prison in Michigan City, and will be only the second execution in Indiana in the past 15 years. That happens May 20.