An Elkhart County convicted murderer’s request to be put to death by lethal injection has been denied by a LaPorte County judge. 61 year-old Walter Leach is serving a 95-year sentence at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City for the 1995 shooting death of Howard VanZant outside of a bar in Nappanee. He was sentenced to the maximum of 65 years for the murder, with an added 30 years for being a habitual offender. Leach didn't give a reason for wanting to be put to death, but his request came after several unsuccessful attempts to have his conviction overturned. He's also filed requests for lethal injection with the offices of Governor Mike Pence and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller (zeller) among others.
