Roy Ward, sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a teenager in 2001, was executed by lethal injection in Indiana.

Roy Ward, 53 years old, was executed on Friday in Indiana, having been convicted in 2002 for the rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne. This is the third execution in the state since the reinstatement of the death penalty last year. Ward was described by his attorney as being "very remorseful" for the crime committed. Executions have resumed in Indiana after a 15-year hiatus due to difficulties in obtaining the necessary substances. Since the beginning of the year, 35 executions have taken place in the United States, mostly by lethal injection.