Gov. John Kasich on Monday delayed nine executions as a court fight continues over the constitutionality of the state’s lethal injection process, including a contested sedative used in problematic executions in at least three states.
Latest use of sedative keeps death penalty debate alive
Once again, the effectiveness of midazolam has been questioned following executions in Ohio, Arizona and, just this week, Arkansas. That’s where condemned inmate Kenneth Williams lurched and convulsed 20 times during a lethal injection execution Thursday that began with midazolam.
US appeals court to reconsider Ohio lethal injection case
After blocking Ohio from using lethal injection drugs, a federal appeals court has agreed to review its ruling, this time including its entire bench of judges. A reversal could allow the state to execute three death row inmates as scheduled.