Clemency Denied: Indiana Parole Board Backs Execution

The Indiana parole board voted unanimously to deny clemency for Jeffrey Weisheit, a move that keeps his death sentence intact ahead of a scheduled execution on Nov. 5. The board’s recommendation was delivered to Gov. Mike Braun on Wednesday. Weisheit, 50, is set to die by lethal injection in just days if the governor signs off on the board’s advice.

The case dates back to 2010 in Evansville. At that time, Weisheit was in a relationship with Lisa Lynch. While she was at work, he set fire to their home. First responders recovered the bodies of her two children, Alyssa, 8, and Caleb, 5, from the burning structure. Alyssa’s body was found in a closet. Caleb’s body was on a mattress, held down with duct tape. A railroad flare was found in his underwear, and another lay beneath him.

Prior to the fire, Weisheit had ordered an engagement ring. The relationship was ending. He quit his job, withdrew funds from his bank account, and canceled the ring order. He told the jeweler he was leaving the country. Tyler Banks, a lawyer for the Indiana attorney general, detailed these actions during the hearing. The board heard testimony over two days from Weisheit, his legal team, the children’s parents, and first responders.

During his appearance on Oct. 16, Weisheit stated he had no excuse for his actions. He asked for a life sentence so he could improve the lives of others in prison. Lisa Lynch spoke to the board via video. She noted that clemency is for those who show genuine remorse. She argued that nothing about the deaths of her children showed mercy or humanity. Steven Lynch, the children’s father, told the board he would accept a life sentence for his son-in-law’s killer.

Weisheit’s attorney, Joseph Perkovich, told the board on Oct. 19 that his client has a history of head injuries and mental health issues. Perkovich argued these factors were not given enough weight during the 2013 trial. On Wednesday, Perkovich said the governor is considering a request to transport Weisheit from prison for brain scans. The lawyer described the crimes as unspeakable but maintained that Weisheit’s condition warrants a second look.

The board considered Weisheit’s mental health history in its decision. In its written recommendation, the board stated that his condition does not greatly distinguish him from the majority of incarcerated individuals. Chairperson Gwendolyn Horth wrote to Braun that the board unanimously recommends denying the request. The final authority to grant or deny clemency rests with the governor.

The execution is currently set for Nov. 5. The parole board’s role is to advise the governor on the request for a commutation to life in prison. Gov. Braun has not yet announced a final decision. The board’s vote concludes its review of the case, leaving the executive branch to make the final call on the fate of the man convicted of murder and arson.