INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ordered that Jeffrey Weisheit be executed before sunrise Nov. 5 by lethal injection for the deaths of 5-year-old Caleb Lynch and 8-year-old Alyssa Lynch.
The justices were considering whether to delay the 50-year-old’s execution date so he could undergo brain scans to shed light on his mental state.
On Oct. 12, Weisheit filed two emergency motions asking the state Supreme Court for a transportation order to a medical imaging facility and a 14-day delay of his execution and clemency proceedings so he could be taken from prison to undergo brain scans. The state opposed both motions.
The Supreme Court order noted that clemency rests solely with the governor, and the judiciary lacks authority to delay executive proceedings or order medical transport.
The state Department of Correction has already paid $275,000 for execution drugs, according to records obtained by Indiana’s I-Team. Those drugs could expire, and Weisheit could spend his life in prison without parole if Republican Gov. Mike Braun decides to grant clemency.
Weisheit petitioned the Indiana Parole Board for clemency. On Oct. 16 and Monday, board members questioned Weisheit and listened to speakers to help guide their recommendation, which is nonbinding before Braun makes his decision.
At the clemency hearing, Weisheit’s attorneys spoke about his severe mental illness and potential brain trauma, arguing that it was largely to blame for the killings.
Family members talked about a gentler side of Weisheit that they knew, as well as struggles he had as a young man with depression and suicide attempts.
One of the strongest voices the Parole Board heard was from Lisa Lynch, the children’s mother. “I am here today to ensure my children’s voices are heard,” Lynch said through tears during a virtual appearance at the Monday clemency hearing. “As their mother, it is my duty to protect and stand up for them, and I am here today to honor their lives.”
On April 9, 2010, Weisheit set fire to his girlfriend’s house, where the two children were found dead from smoke and soot inhalation.
