By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Wednesday morning, December 18 at 12:44 a.m., the State of Indiana executed Joseph Edward Corcoran. Corcoran had been on death row since 1999 when he killed his brother and three other individuals on July 26, 1997. Previously, he had also killed his mother and father when he was 17 years old.

This was the first execution in Indiana in 15 years. However, there have been other executions in the state, but those were for federal crimes.

According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, there were four people in the witness area that was intended for family and friends of Corcoran. Those present included a Capital Chronicle reporter Casey Smith, Corcoran’s wife Tahina and her son. Also present was Defense Attorney Larry Komp, and Rev. David Leitzel was also eventually allowed inside the chamber.

Corcoran tried to appeal the execution based on his mental condition but was deemed fit to stand trial. His mental illness was documented as early as age 17. When he was under psychological evaluation for the murder of his mother and father, Corcoran claimed that ultrasound machines were controlling him and his thoughts, and he maintained that claim until the end. The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to deny a request to stay the execution. On several occasions, Corcoran refused to sign any paperwork to initiate a clemency review or other avenues that could have resulted in his removal from death row.

When asked if Corcoran had any last words, he replied with, “Not really. Let’s get this over with.” His last meal consisted of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and his body will be cremated and the ashes given to his wife.

Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement on Joseph Corcoran's execution:

"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. 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." - Todd Rokita

Death Chamber of Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Photo by Indiana Department of Correction.