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U.S. Supreme Court to hear case on execution drug used in Arizona
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments April 29 on whether the use of the sedative midazolam in a three-drug combination makes for an unconstitutional execution.
States’ use of execution drugs varies widely
Problematic executions in Arizona, Oklahoma and other states have highlighted a patchwork approach states are taking with lethal drugs, with types, combinations and dosages varying widely. A question-and-answer look at how the disparities in drugs came about and why, after more than three decades in which all death penalty states used the exact same mixture:
It worked so well we’re not doing it again
A report commissioned by the Dept of Corrections on the execution of Joseph Wood found no fault in the agency’s two-drug protocol. Still, consultants who prepared the report, which was released today (Dec. 22), recommended that DOC ditch the protocol. Subsequently, DOC Director Charles Ryan has decided not to use the two-drug combination of midazolam and hydromorphone in executions.
Failed drugs will no longer be used in Arizona executions
Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan announced today the state will stop executing prisoners with the drug combination used on Joseph Wood, who took two hours to die in July.
Arizona death penalty put on hold pending investigation of botched execution
The state has agreed not to execute anyone until after a judge has ruled on a lawsuit asking for the Department of Corrections to release information on drugs used to execute a prisoner who snorted and gasped for two hours before dying.
Prison officials looking for new ways to carry out executions in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Corrections is searching for a consultant to look at alternative methods of execution and other lethal injection drugs, according to documents detailing work to be done in reviewing the execution of Joseph Wood.
Despite drug controversy, next Arizona execution set for July 23
The Arizona Supreme Court on May 28 set the date for the state’s next execution even as a federal judge in Ohio delayed executions there on the previous day to hash out the constitutionality of a two-drug combination both states use for lethal injections.
Arizona to resume executions using mix of painkiller and sedative
The Arizona Department of Corrections is going to resume executions by using a secret pharmacy to mix a drug combination that left an Ohio prisoner choking and snorting for 19 minutes as he died in January.
Prosecutor wants executions for human smugglers
Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles wants to add human smugglers who kill to the categories that qualify someone for death row.
He also wants to add people who the state can prove will likely kill again.
Corrections chief to allow witnesses to view execution procedure
Witnesses to the June 27 execution of Samuel Lopez will be allowed to watch as the executioner inserts intravenous lines that will carry the lethal drug to Lopez's body.
Judge: Public won’t get full look at execution process
The public and attorneys for condemned prisoners won’t be given a behind-the-scenes look at executions in Arizona, a U.S. District Court judge ruled today.
Arizona high court approves 2 more executions
The Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday approved the executions of two more death-row inmates, one for the brutal rape and murder of a Phoenix woman and the other for killing a Tucson college student after robbing him.
