A man was executed after deceiving a teenage girl into allowing him entry into her house under the guise of searching for a lost dog. Roy Lee Ward, who perpetrated the rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne in Dale, Indiana, gained access by tricking the victim. Upon her answering the door, Ward forced his way in, proceeded to restrain Stacy, and subjected her to a violent assault. Despite her sister alerting the authorities after hearing the commotion, the tragic incident unfolded.
During a hearing seeking clemency, state representatives recounted the disturbing events of the assault on July 11, 2001, which deeply affected the local community. Neighbor Carolyn Black expressed the community’s profound shock and sorrow over the tragic event. Subsequently, Indiana carried out Ward’s execution through lethal injection just past midnight on October 10. The 53-year-old was pronounced dead at 12:33 am by the Indiana Department of Corrections. Ward’s final meal, sourced from Texas Corral, comprised various dishes. Before his execution, his last words were, “Brian is going to read them.”
Ward’s execution was scheduled 22 years ago, with his legal challenges exhausted over time. Governor Mike Braun’s denial of clemency in September, based on the Indiana Parole Board’s recommendation, sealed Ward’s fate. Despite filing federal lawsuits to postpone his execution by contesting the state’s lethal injection procedures and broader execution protocols, Ward later withdrew these legal actions, ultimately clearing the path for his execution on Friday.
In a collaborative effort on October 2, Ward’s legal counsel and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office reached an agreement to address concerns regarding the handling and storage of execution drugs, ensuring compliance with protocols to prevent any complications during Ward’s execution.
Stacy’s family, still residing in the same residence, opted not to attend the execution. Fondly remembering Stacy’s vibrant personality and love for the song ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ family members highlighted her achievements as an honor student and cheerleader. Stacy, who worked at a pizzeria and was diligently saving money, was described by her mother, Julie Wininger, as a young woman with a promising future that was tragically cut short.
The profound impact of Stacy’s untimely death was emphasized by her mother, who lamented the loss of her daughter’s presence and the missed opportunities to witness her growth into adulthood.