HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Indiana Parole Board has submitted a recommendation for Governor Mike Braun to deny a request to commute the death sentence of the man accused of killing a Spencer County teenager in 2001.
In a letter to the Governor, the board noted that Roy Lee Ward was previously characterized as a “severe psychopath” during his second trial based on pre-trial psychiatric evaluations. Ward’s legal team attempted to present to the board that Ward was misdiagnosed, and should have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Indiana Parole Board hears clemency testimony for Roy Lee Ward
However, the board noted they did not speak directly with Ward, making it it difficult to make inferences as to his rehabilitation. The board also highlighted Ward’s criminal history, including juvenile and adult criminal offenses dating back to 1990, including crimes of battery, theft, burglary, indecent exposure and public indecency.
Roy Lee Ward is scheduled to be executed on October 11 for the murder of Stacey Payne…