Indiana Executes Joseph Corcoran, Marking First Execution in 15 Years

In a chilling moment before his execution, Joseph Corcoran, a 49-year-old death row inmate convicted of murdering four individuals, including his brother and his sister’s fiancé, uttered to prison staff, “Let’s get this over with.” The execution took place at 12:44 am CST on Wednesday at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, marking the state’s first execution in 15 years and the 24th in the U.S. this year.

The Indiana Department of Correction confirmed the execution details, noting that when asked for his last words, Corcoran responded, “Not really,” before demanding the proceedings commence. Despite being scheduled for execution with pentobarbital, the state’s statement did not confirm the use of the drug.

The execution was conducted under a veil of secrecy, as Indiana law does not permit media witnesses. However, Corcoran personally selected a reporter from the Indiana Capital Chronicle to be present, marking a rare exception to this rule.

Attorney Larry Komp, who witnessed the execution from an adjacent room with a one-way window, reported that four people, including two family members, observed the event. The execution lasted approximately eight minutes, though Komp could only see partially and could not hear if Corcoran spoke.

This case brings attention to the secretive nature of executions in Indiana, one of only two states, alongside Wyoming, that bar media from witnessing state executions, as highlighted by the Death Penalty Information Center.

The execution of Corcoran adds another chapter to the ongoing debate about capital punishment, transparency in the execution process, and the ethical considerations surrounding the death penalty, especially in light of other recent executions using controversial methods like nitrogen gas.