A man was executed today for the rape and murder of a teenage girl he tricked into letting him inside her home by pretending to look for a lost dog.
Roy Lee Ward, 53, was put to death in Indiana for the killing of 15-year-old Stacy Payne in Dale. Ward gained entry to the home under false pretenses and violently attacked Stacy after tying her up. The incident, which occurred on July 11, 2001, deeply affected the local community, leaving neighbors shocked and disturbed.
After exhausting all legal avenues to challenge the execution, Ward was denied clemency by Governor Mike Braun and was executed by lethal injection just after midnight on October 10. Despite filing lawsuits to delay the execution, Ward eventually withdrew them, paving the way for his death.
Prior to his execution, Ward reached an agreement with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office to address concerns regarding the handling and storage of execution drugs. His legal team confirmed that the execution process was compliant with protocols to avoid any issues.
Stacy’s family, still grappling with the tragic loss, chose not to attend Ward’s execution. Stacy, an honor student and cheerleader, was described as vibrant and full of life by her loved ones. Her mother, Julie Wininger, spoke of the profound impact of Stacy’s untimely death, expressing the family’s enduring grief and loss.
Stacy’s father, who continues to reside in the family home, shared poignant memories of his daughter, emphasizing her bright spirit and the aspirations she held before her life was cut short. The community mourns the loss of a promising young individual and reflects on the tragedy that befell Stacy.