Indiana to execute Jeffrey Weisheit Thursday for 2010 double murder

Joliet readers may note that Indiana Governor Mike Braun confirmed on Monday that Jeffrey Weisheit will be executed this Thursday. Braun rejected a final request for clemency, allowing the death sentence for the 50-year-old man to stand. The decision follows a recommendation from the Indiana Parole Board.

Weisheit is convicted of arson and murder for a 2010 fire in the Evansville area that killed his girlfriend's two children. The children were Alyssa Lynch, age 8, and Caleb Lynch, age 5. Investigators determined that Weisheit set the blaze while the children's mother, Lisa Lynch, was at work. The relationship between Lynch and Weisheit was reportedly ending at the time of the incident.

During a public hearing on Oct. 16, Weisheit admitted to his crimes. However, he told the governor he wanted to live to improve the lives of other people in prison. Under Indiana law, he had the right to ask Braun to reduce his sentence from death to life in prison. Braun, a Republican, decided to let the original sentence remain in effect.

Details from the 2010 fire revealed grim circumstances for the victims. Alyssa's body was found in a closet. Caleb's body was located on a mattress and restrained with duct tape. Investigators found a railroad flare inside the boy's underwear and another flare positioned under his body.

Weisheit's legal team has raised concerns about his health and the execution process. His lawyers argue he has a history of head injuries and mental health issues that received insufficient attention during his 2013 trial. They have also asked the governor to delay the execution to review how Indiana acquires drugs for lethal injections.

The defense specifically pointed to the state's purchase of pentobarbital from a pharmacy currently under scrutiny by the state attorney general. They also cited the recent failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered a review of that event after the attempt to inject Pike failed.

Braun's spokesperson, Griffin Reid, stated that the process is over. The Indiana Department of Correction said it remains confident in its ability to humanely carry out the lawfully imposed sentence. Preparations for the execution continue in the state's death row facility.