Death Penalty in South Carolina

South Carolina is set to execute its first convict in over 13 years after pharmaceutical companies resumed supplying lethal injection drugs. The state changed the law to keep the names of drug providers anonymous. The first execution will be of Freddie Eugene Owens for the 1997 murder of Irene Graves.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs death warrant for convicted murderer and rapist

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs death warrant for convicted murderer and rapist Loran Kenstley Cole, who will be executed via lethal injection on August 29. This will be the first execution in Florida since the previous year.

Texas' Purchase of Lethal Injection Drugs from Rite-Away Pharmacy

Texas purchased lethal injection drugs from a compounding pharmacy with safety violations for executions; the pharmacy had a history of violations and involvement in the opioid epidemic. Concerns were raised about the carelessness in treating inmates. The pharmacy prepared injectable pentobarbital for executions using raw ingredients, with poor sterilization conditions reported. The drugs were made in a sterile room and sold to the state for less than $100,000. The pharmacist involved expressed initial guilt but justified his actions. Another branch of the pharmacy faced legal issues for dispensing opioids illegally. The use of compounded drugs for executions raised constitutional concerns. Previous lethal injections in Texas had complications. The state plans more executions using the prepared drugs.

Racial Disparities in Lethal Injection Executions

A new report by Reprieve found racial disparities in the mistakes made during lethal injection executions in the U.S., with Black prisoners experiencing more botched executions. The study highlights issues of racial discrimination in the death penalty process, from jury selection to the execution itself.

Death Row Inmate Appeal in Georgia

The Georgia parole board will hear an appeal from a death row inmate who is scheduled to die by lethal injection. Advocates argue that he is intellectually challenged and should not be executed.

Capital Punishment Procedures in Idaho and Other States

Eight people were executed in Texas in 2023 and an execution in Idaho failed due to unsuccessful attempts to establish an intravenous line. The incident raised questions about the identities and qualifications of the medical team involved in executions in different states.

Oklahoma Death Row Inmates Request Firing Squad as Alternative to Lethal Injection

Two Oklahoma death row inmates are requesting a firing squad as an alternative to lethal injection, citing concerns over the current method's constitutionality and effectiveness. The inmates want to delay their upcoming executions until a trial can be held to determine the legality of the lethal injection process. Testimonies from experts and officials shed light on the potential benefits of using a firing squad as a more humane and reliable execution method.