Death Row Inmate Sues Over Denial of Spiritual Advisor

Source: Indiana State Prison / other

MICHIGAN CITY, IND –Joseph Corcoran, a death row inmate scheduled for execution next week, has filed a lawsuit against the Indiana Department of Correction, challenging their decision to deny his request for a spiritual advisor during his execution.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court by Corcoran’s wife, Tahina, and his attorney, Larry Komp, argues that the denial violates his religious rights.

Corcoran and his wife were married in 2004 but divorced in 2007, and their legal battle centers on his longstanding relationship with his spiritual advisor, Rev. David Leitzel, a Wesleyan minister who has supported Corcoran since childhood.

The lawsuit names several high-ranking Indiana officials, including IDOC Commissioner Christina Reagle, Chief Legal Officer Anna Quick, and Warden Ron Neal of the Indiana State Prison.

Corcoran, a devout Christian, has regularly met with Rev. Leitzel, and his legal team argues that the presence of his spiritual advisor is crucial to his religious beliefs during the execution process.

Corcoran is set for execution on December 18.