Alex Sanz/Eyewitness News
Michigan City, March 10 - In the hours before the execution, death penalty opponents braved the bitter cold to condemn the action as Donald Ray Wallace, with his family at his side, prepared for the end.
"I've made my peace with myself. I made peace with God. There's really nothing left. There's really nothing to fear." Wallace last week, in his first and only television interview, told Eyewitness News Reporter Anne Ryder he deserved the death penalty for the 1980 murders of Theresa and Patrick Gilligan and their two young children, Greg and Lisa.
Wallace had broken into the family's Evansville home and, surprised by their return, bound the children with a vacuum cord, shot them and their mother in the head and bludgeoned their father with a barbell.
It was a crime that would forever change so many lives.
Wallace never asked for clemency. At exactly 1:23 Thursday morning, after 23 years on death row, a lethal injection ended his life.
"This morning the Department of Correction carried out the Indiana Supreme Court's order calling for the execution of Donald Ray Wallace," said DOC's Javairya Ahmend. "Wallace's final statement was, 'I hope everyone can find peace with this.'"
Nine people chosen by Wallace watched as he took his final breath.
Afterward, Wallace's sister, Shannon Wallace said, "First of all I would like to make it clear, with the death penalty, in killing Don the state has only created more pain and continued the cycle of hate and violence. Don felt this way and so do we."
Another sister, Kathleen Wallace, added, "In spite of this, it was his wish that peace and healing may finally come to all those affected by this case and everyone touched by his life."
With his execution, Wallace became the 12th Indiana death row inmate to die since the death penalty was restored in 1977.
Wallace spent much of Wednesday visiting with friends. He ate a final meal of filet mignon, baked potato and cake.
