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Lethal Injection

Full coverage of the death penalty and capital punishment in the United States and breaking news about prison inmate executions and lethal injection protocols

South Carolina Department of Corrections / AP file

South Carolina wants to execute Bobby Wayne Stone but has no drugs

South Carolina wants to execute a man but has no drugs

It's been six years since South Carolina carried out a lethal injection. Will Bobby Wayne Stone be next?

Ohio cancels execution of Alva Campbell after failing to find vein

Ohio cancels execution after failing to find good vein

Alva Campbell was to be executed for the 1997 murder of a teenager during a carjacking.

KTHV / Pool via AP

Arkansas Death Row Inmate Wants Brain Examined If Executed

Arkansas Death Row Inmate Wants Brain Examined If Executed

An Arkansas death row inmate who his attorneys say is mentally ill scheduled wants his head to be removed after his execution and his brain examined.

Arkansas Poised to Execute Man Amid Fight Over Mental Health

Lawyers for Arkansas death row inmate Jack Greene, set for execution next month, want doctors to have a greater say in determining his mental competency.

Torrey Twane McNabb, Alabama Inmate, Defiant Before His Execution

As the procedure began Thursday night, Torrey Twane McNabb, 40, raised both of his middle fingers in a show of defiance.

Ohio Executes Double Murderer Gary Otte as He Sings Hymn

Gary Otte was sentenced to death for two killings in a Cleveland suburb in 1992.

Florida Executes Mark James Asay With Experimental Injection

Mark James Asay was the first white man executed in Florida for the death of a black man in 40 years.

Missouri Governor Halts Marcellus Williams Execution Over DNA Questions

Eric Greitens on Tuesday halted the scheduled execution of condemned killer Marcellus Williams after DNA testing raised questions about whether he actually committed the crime.

Arizona Woman Gets Death Penalty for Putting 10-Year-Old Cousin in Hot Box

A young Arizona woman was sentenced to death on Monday for the murder of her 10-year-old cousin, who she locked in a small plastic storage box and left to die as punishment for stealing an ice pop.

Texas Executes TaiChin Preyor, Who Said Lawyer Used Wikipedia

The Supreme Court turned down a final appeal from Preyor, who argued that his former lawyer collaborated with a disbarred attorney and relied on Wikipedia.

Ronald Phillips Executed in Ohio, Ending Three-Year Break

Phillips was convicted of raping and beating to death his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter, Sheila Marie Evans.

Ronald Phillips Set to Die in Ohio's First Execution in Three Years

Ohio is set to give Ronald Phillips a lethal injection Wednesday night in its first execution in more than three years.

Inmates Ask Supreme Court to Stop Ohio Plan to Resume Executions

Ohio has not held an execution in three years but plans to kill Ronald Phillips on July 26.

Robert Melson: Alabama Man Executed for Killing Three Fast-Food Workers

Robert Melson, 46, was pronounced dead at 10:27 p.m. CDT Thursday at a southwest Alabama prison, authorities said.

Alabama Death Row Inmate Tommy Arthur Pleads for Eighth Reprieve

Tommy Arthur has been on death row for three decades.

Georgia Executes Convicted Killer, 1st Execution by State This Year

Georgia executed convicted killer J.W. Ledford Jr., who was convicted of fatally stabbing a neighbor in 1992.

Georgia Killer Appeals Execution, Argues 20 Is Too Young to Be Sentenced to Death

J.W. Ledford Jr., who was 20 when he killed a doctor in 1992, is appealing to the Supreme Court arguing he was too young to be sentenced to death.

J.W. Ledford's Bid for Firing Squad Rejected on Execution Eve

Georgia has scheduled the execution for Tuesday evening.

Arkansas Gov. Hutchinson on Executions: 'I Absolutely Made the Right Decision'

Arkansas' governor sat down with NBC News on Friday to discuss the legal and public relation battles surrounding the state's recent executions.

Arkansas Execution of Kenneth Williams 'Horrifying': Lawyer

Arkansas executed convicted killer Kenneth Williams on Thursday, who was the fourth inmate put to death in the state in a little more than a week.

Arkansas Executions: Censured Judge Calls for Probe of State AG, High Court

An Arkansas judge asked two state commissions to investigate the state Attorney General’s Office and the state Supreme Court for removing him from death penalty cases.

As Arkansas' Final Execution Looms, Where Are We Now?

Now that only one death warrant remains, here are answers to a few lingering questions days before these series of executions in Arkansas are slated to end.

Commission Calls for Extending Oklahoma Execution Moratorium

The bipartisan volunteer group issued a 300-page report after two years of studying the death penalty.

Arkansas Executions: State Kills Two Death Row Inmates in One Night

Jack Jones and Marcell Williams' executions are part of an aggressive schedule set by Gov. Asa Hutchinson that originally planned to execute eight men within 10 days, because a key lethal injection drug expires at the end of the month. Four of those executions were blocked by courts but Arkansas executed another man, Ledell Lee, on Thursday night.

An Arkansas Family Prepares to Witness the Execution of their Father's Murderer

The Boren family has long waited for their patriarch's murderer to be put to death by the state of Arkansas. Days from the scheduled execution, they prepare to witness the fulfillment of his death warrant.

Judge Declines to Block Executions of 2 Arkansas Inmates

A federal district judge in Arkansas declines to block the use of the drug midazolam in the execution of two inmates scheduled to die on Monday.

Arkansas Executes Ledell Lee, State's First Inmate Put to Death Since 2005

The execution of convicted murderer Ledell Lee caps days of legal jostling over the state's right to use a paralytic as part of its lethal injection cocktail. The U.S. Supreme Court declined last minute appeals by Lee's attorneys to block his execution.

Arkansas Again Faces Two Legal Roadblocks Day Ahead of Execution

The company behind a key drug in Arkansas' lethal injection cocktail got a judge to issue a restraining order barring the state from using the drug.

Arkansas Inmates Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Block Remaining Executions

All eight Arkansas death row inmates who were scheduled for death within 10 days asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to block the executions.

After Arkansas Execution Blocked, Victim's Daughter Still Wants Justice

The daughter of the victim of the Arkansas death row inmate who's execution was stayed at the last minute on Monday wants justice for her mother.

Arkansas Executions: What's Next for the State's Push to Execute a Record Number of Inmates

After one man's life was saved by a late-night SCOTUS decision and two other inmates received reprieves, Arkansas is down to five scheduled executions over eight days.

U.S. Supreme Court Denies Arkansas Request to Begin Executions

The Arkansas Supreme Court has halted the executions of two men originally scheduled to be put to death Monday night.

Arkansas Judge Barred From Ruling on Executions After Showing Up at Protest

An Arkansas judge will be barred from ruling on death penalty cases and could be disciplined after he attended two death penalty protests on Friday — the same day that he blocked a spate of executions scheduled by the state.

Arkansas Plans Execution for at Least One Man Monday, Despite Legal Hurdles

Arkansas’s Department of Corrections is gearing up to put at least one man to death on Monday night despite a number of legal hurdles that stand in the way of the state’s planned executions.

Tense Easter Sunday in Arkansas as State Fights for Executions

For some in the Christian community here, Easter Sunday took on a pallid atmosphere as state officials worked through the weekend to reinstate scheduled executions that had been held up by numerous court rulings.

Arkansas Attorney General Works to Dismantle Roadblocks to Executions

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge worked overtime Saturday to overcome legal setbacks to the state's historic spate of executions.

Arkansas Executions: Federal Judge Halts Scheduled Executions, State Appeals

A federal judge has agreed to halt the scheduled executions, putting the state's capital punishment plans in jeopardy while state officials look to appeal.

Arkansas Executions: First Two Men Scheduled to Die Push for Delay

The first two men to be executed during Arkansas's rash of executions requested a delay Wednesday, citing a U.S. Supreme Court case and their own mental fitness.

Lawyers Desperate to Stall Arkansas' Spate of Executions as Victims' Families Hope for Closure

Lawyers for the seven death row inmates scheduled to be put to death in an 11-day span starting next week are racing trying to halt the executions.

Arkansas Executions: Damien Echols, Ex-Death Row Inmate, Will Speak for Condemned

Damien Echols has nightmares about being back in Arkansas, but he is set to return on Friday to protest the government’s decision to execute seven men in 10 days.

Arkansas Executions: Judge Blocks 1, Won't Stop 7 Others Set for 10-Day Span

A judge on Thursday agreed to issue a stay of execution for the only inmate to receive a recommendation of clemency from the board — Jason McGehee, 40.

Arkansas Executions: Parole Board Urges Mercy for One of Eight Condemned to Die in Ten Days

The governor has not said whether he will accept the Parole Board's recommendation for Jason McGehee.

Speedy Execution Pace Is Unconstitutional, Arkansas Inmates Claim in New Suit

Eight men on death row in Arkansas — who are all scheduled to be executed in a 10 day span — fought for their lives Monday in a federal complaint, claiming the breakneck pace was 'cruel and unusual' and 'threatened violations of their right to counsel.'

Arkansas Faces Another Hurdle in Upcoming 8 Executions — Finding Witnesses

Arkansas state code says at least six 'respectable citizens' must view the executions to confirm it was 'conducted in the manner required by law.'

Why Arkansas Plans to Execute a Historic Number of Inmates in a Span of 10 Days

The state government of Arkansas plans to execute nearly a quarter of its death row over 10 days — all because of drug expiration dates.

Texas Executes Man in Murder-for-Hire Scheme

Rolando Ruiz was convicted of accepting $2,000 to fatally shoot 29-year-old Theresa Rodriguez in 1992 as part of a in a life insurance scheme.

Ohio Gov. Kasich Postpones Eight Executions Amid Legal Battle

Death row prisoners say the lethal-injection could be too painful.

Judge: Ohio Lethal Injections Might Be Too Painful

The ruling means three scheduled executions will be postponed.

Virginia Executes Ricky Gray for Virginia Family Murders

The U.S. Supreme Court denied Gray's lawyers appeal for a delay based on Virginia's use of the controversial lethal injection drug midazolam.

Texas Executes Convicted Killer in First U.S. Execution of 2017

Christopher Wilkins was convicted of killing two people in 2005 after being tricked into paying $20 for a rock disguised as a chunk of crack cocaine.

Supreme Court Refuses to Block Execution of Texas Killer Christopher Wilkins

He was convicted of killing two men over a $20 drug deal in 2005.

U.S. Military Could Execute Ex-Soldier for First Time Since 1961

Ronald Gray was sentenced to death for two killings and rapes. His execution could be the first since an Army private was hanged in 1961.

Death Sentences Drop to 40-Year Low, Report Finds

Judges and juries imposed fewer death sentences in 2016 than any time since the modern era of capital punishment began more than 40 years ago.

Alabama Inmate Coughs, Heaves During Execution, Putting Spotlight on Sedative

Midazolam, a sedative, has figured in several other problematic lethal injections in recent years.

Alabama Inmate Coughs, Heaves 13 Minutes Into Execution

Ronald Bert Smith Jr. clenched his fists and raised his head at the beginning of the execution. The state's correction's chief said protocol was followed.

Georgia Executes Inmate Who Refused to Appeal Case

Steven Frederick Spears told a psychiatrist he didn't want to die but also didn't want to continue living in prison.

Supreme Court Delays Inmate Tommy Arthur's Seventh Execution Date

The reprieve came hours after Alabama was scheduled to give him a lethal injection.

Convicted Killer Who Dropped Appeals Executed in Texas

Barney Fuller Jr., 58, who pleaded guilty to killing a neighbor couple 13 years ago, dropped his appeals to expedite his death sentence.

Texas Inmate Barney Fuller Not Challenging His Execution

He's scheduled to be put to death Wednesday evening.

Ohio to Resume Lethal Injections After Three-Year Pause

The state plans to use a new lethal injection cocktail.

Ohio Inmate Romell Brown Who Survived 2009 Execution Appeals to High Court

Lawyers for death row inmate Romell Broom argue a second execution attempt would amount to cruel and unusual punishment and double jeopardy.

Missouri Death Row Inmate Ernest Lee Johnson Suggests Nitrogen Gas Execution

Lawyers for Johnson are asking for an alternative, claiming lethal injection will be too painful because of his brain defect.

'Careless and Cavalier': Grand Jury Issues Scathing Report on Botched Oklahoma Executions

An Oklahoma grand jury investigating botched execution procedures issued a blistering report on Thursday documenting a top-to-bottom failure to ensure the correct lethal injection drugs would be used.

Pfizer Blocks Use of Its Drugs for Lethal Injections

"Pfizer strongly objects to the use of its products as lethal injections for capital punishment," the company said in a statement.

Alabama Delays Execution of Cop Killer Vernon Madison by Lethal Injection

Madison was scheduled to be executed Thursday afternoon at the state prison in Atmore, but a court hearing has been scheduled for June in an appeal.

Georgia Executes Man Who Killed Teen Neighbor Girl During 1996 Burglary

Fults 'accepted a final prayer and declined to make a final statement,' officials said.

Virginia Gov Opts for Drug Secrecy Over Electric Chair

Gov. Terry McAuliffe wants to protect the identity of those who supply lethal injection drugs.

Georgia Executes Man for Fatal Beating in 1994

Joshua Bishop is scheduled to die at 7 p.m. Thursday at the state prison in Jackson by injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital.

Court OKs Ohio Do-Over of Failed Lethal Injection of Romell Broom

Death-row inmate Romell Broom failed to convince the court it would be double jeopardy.

Virginia Pols Vote to Force Prisoners to Electric Chair

It's unclear if Gov. Terry McAuliffe will sign the bill passed by the state Senate on Monday.

Alabama Judge Finds Death Sentence Process Unconstitutional

The ruling singles out judicial overrides of jury recommendations of life in prison as contrary to the Constitution.

Georgia to Execute Ex-Navy Crewman Travis Hittson Who Killed Fellow Sailor

Travis Hittson, 45, is scheduled to receive an injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the state prison in Jackson.

Georgia Executes Its Oldest Death Row Inmate

A federal appeals court on Tuesday refused to hear a stay for an appeal that sought to challenge a state law keeping drug makers secret.

Florida Executes Serial Killer Oscar Ray Bolin

Bolin, 53, had a last meal of rib-eye steak, baked potato, lemon meringue pie and Coca-Cola. He was convicted of killing three women.

Mom Awaits Execution of Convicted Serial Killer Oscar Ray Bolin

Oscar Ray Bolin is scheduled to be executed in Florida on Thursday.

Death Knell? Executions Hit Two-Decade Low

There were 28 inmates put to death in the U.S. in 2015, and new death sentences also declined.

Oklahoma Prisons Boss Robert Patton Resigns Amid Probe of Botched Executions

Patton had been on the job a few months when the execution of inmate Clayton Lockett was botched in April 2014.

Texas Man Executed for Fire That Killed 3 Children

Raphael Holiday, 36, was convicted of setting a fire that killed his 18-month-old daughter and her two young half-sisters. He denied it.

Georgia Inmate Marcus Ray Johnson Denied Beer as Last Meal

Prison officials said alcohol is contraband.

California Unveils Lethal Injection Plan After Long Execution Delay

The state's proposal includes two drugs never before used as lethal injections.

Supreme Court Stays Execution of Missouri Killer

The stay was granted while attorneys for Ernest Johnson, who killed three people with a claw hammer in 1994, appeals an earlier ruling.

Oklahoma Warden Who Oversaw Troubled Executions Steps Down

Anita Trammell is retiring days after she testified before a grand jury investigating troubled executions.

Death-Row Inmate Says Hole in His Brain Means He Can't Be Executed

Ernest Johnson's lawyers say a medical condition will make lethal injection too painful for him.

Documents: Arizona Tried to Illegally Import Execution Drug

Federal agents stopped the shipment at the Phoenix airport, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Ohio Scraps All Executions Until 2017 Over Drug Shortages

The state has been unable to obtain lethal injection drugs.

Texas Executes Inmate for Killing Dallas Police Officer

Licho Escamilla was 19 when he shot an off-duty officer trying to break up a brawl in 2001, and then shot the officer in the head as he was prone.

Autopsy Shows Oklahoma Used Wrong Drug to Execute Man in January

An autopsy report shows the state used potassium acetate instead of potassium chloride to kill Charles Warner.

Texas Executes Juan Garcia, 11th Inmate of Year

Juan Garcia shot a former missionary while stealing just $8. He was pronounced dead at 6:26 p.m. CT. Tuesday.

Judge KOs Montana's Lethal-Injection Plans

The court found the state's protocol was out of line with its death-penalty statute.

All Oklahoma Executions on Hold After 'Crazy' Drug Snafu

The prison received the wrong drug for the lethal injection of Richard Glossip.

Executed Serial Killer's Last Words: 'Get This Over With'

Alfredo Prieto was executed in Virginia Thursday night for shooting two people and killing a teenage girl in California nearly three decades ago.

Oklahoma Governor Halts Richard Glossip Execution at Last Minute

She said last-minute questions were raised about the state's lethal injection protocol.

Drug Swap Sparks Hearing on Serial Killer Alfredo Prieto's Execution

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the lethal injection of Alfredo Prieto.

Georgia Woman Kelly Gissendaner Sings 'Amazing Grace' During Execution

A parole board decided Tuesday not to commute the death sentence of Kelly Renee Gissendaner.

Kelly Gissendaner Gets New Shot at Clemency on Eve of Execution

Kelly Gissendaner is scheduled to be executed in Georgia Tuesday for the 1997 murder of her husband.

Texas Shared Its Execution Drugs With Virginia

Texas says it supplied three vials of pentobarbital, but won't disclose where the drugs came from.

Kelly Renee Gissendaner Faces Execution Months After Escaping Death

Kelly Renee Gissendaner's last lethal injection was called off because of cloudy drugs.

Kelly Gissendaner Left Message for Kids Before Execution Was Postponed

Kelly Gissendaner made the statement a couple of hours before her scheduled lethal injection, which was eventually called off.

Oklahoma's Execution of Richard Glossip Called Off for Two Weeks

Richard Glossip was hours away from a lethal injection when an appeals court issued a two-week stay of execution.

Oklahoma's Richard Glossip Is Nun's 7th 'Dead Man Walking'

Sister Helen Prejean has agreed to accompany Richard Glossip to his execution, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Lethal Injection

Related

South Carolina wants to execute a man but has no drugs

Ohio cancels execution after failing to find good vein

Arkansas Death Row Inmate Wants Brain Examined If Executed