Indiana parole board urges governor to reject death row inmate's clemency plea

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 21:15 · Archive

Indiana's parole board has unanimously recommended that Governor Mike Braun deny clemency for Jeffrey Weisheit, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend's two children in a house fire in Evansville in 2010. Weisheit, 50, is scheduled for execution by lethal injection on 5 November. He has a right under Indiana law to seek clemency and request a life sentence instead of the death penalty for his murder and arson convictions.

The parole board heard two days of testimony from Weisheit, lawyers, the children's parents and first responders. The bodies of 8-year-old Alyssa Lynch and 5-year-old Caleb Lynch were recovered from the fire's ruins. Alyssa's body was found in a closet, while Caleb's body was found on a mattress, restrained with duct tape and with railroad flares placed in his underwear and beneath his body.

During testimony on 16 October, Weisheit said: 'There is no excuse or explanation for what I did,' and stated that he wants to live and improve the lives of other people in prison. The children's mother, Lisa Lynch, was in a relationship with Weisheit when he set the fire while she was at work. The board heard that before the fire, Weisheit had planned to propose but the relationship was breaking down. He quit his job, withdrew money from the bank and cancelled a ring order, telling the jeweller he would soon leave the country.

Lisa Lynch told the board by video that 'clemency is meant for those who show genuine remorse and hold true value for human life.' The final decision on Weisheit's clemency request rests with Governor Mike Braun.

How it is being reported

• Indiana governor is urged to let death sentence proceed against man who killed 2 kids in fireThe Indiana Parole Board is recommending that the death penalty remain in place for a man who killed two children in a house fire.News4Jax · 28 Oct, 19:34
• Indiana governor is urged to let death sentence proceed against man who killed 2 kids in fireThe Indiana Parole Board is recommending that the death penalty remain in place for a man who killed two children in a house fire.Clickorlando · 28 Oct, 19:34

In this story: Jeffrey Weisheit · Mike Braun · Lisa Lynch · Alyssa Lynch · Caleb Lynch · Indiana · Evansville · Indiana Parole Board

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