In the early hours of Wednesday, Indiana carried out its first execution in over a decade, putting to death Joseph Corcoran, a man convicted of murdering his brother and three others. The execution took place at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, marking the state’s first use of capital punishment since 2009.
Corcoran, 49, was pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m. CST, according to a statement by the Indiana Department of Correction.
Final Moments: “Let’s get this over with”
When asked if he wished to share any last words, Corcoran replied tersely: “Not really. Let’s get this over with,” according to 21Alive News. His final meal was a serving of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as confirmed by prison officials.
Following the execution, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a statement underscoring the thoroughness of Corcoran’s legal proceedings over the past 25 years.
“Joseph Corcoran’s case has been reviewed repeatedly over the last 25 years – including seven times by the Indiana Supreme Court and three times by the U.S. Supreme Court, the most recent of which was tonight. His sentence has never been overturned and was carried out as ordered by the court,” said Holcomb.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the delivery of justice for the victims.
“Early this morning, Indiana conducted its first execution since 2009. Joseph Corcoran’s case worked its way through our judicial system and today he finally paid his debt to society as justice was provided to his victims,” Rokita said. He continued: “A jury recommended and a judge imposed a sentence of death for the senseless murders of four people. My office fought to defend that sentence and state law every step of the way, and the Indiana Department of Correction carried it out professionally.”
A decades-long legal battle
Corcoran’s case dates back to 1997, when he was convicted of killing four men, including his brother, in a shooting in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Over the years, his sentence was upheld through extensive legal reviews by state and federal courts, culminating in Wednesday’s execution. The execution reopens discussions surrounding the use of capital punishment in Indiana, which had gone 15 years without imposing the ultimate penalty.