UNDETERRED

Judge OKs Lethal Injections in Oklahoma

Despite controversial “agonizing” new drugs.

A federal judge ruled on Monday that could Oklahoma could proceed with a lethal injection made from the same drug combination used in a botched execution. Oklahoma’s execution method was under scrutiny after death-row inmate Clayton Derrell Lockett suffered a prolonged and highly painful demise in April. U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot rejected the argument from Lockett’s attorneys that the controversial drug combination posed a risk of pain or extreme suffering. His ruling denied an attempt by 21 Oklahoma inmates to block their lethal injections on the grounds the new execution constituted cruel and unusual punishment. During court hearings, Dr. David Lubarsky painted a very different picture of Lockett’s execution. “I believe he suffered upon injection, and the progressive suffocation due to the onset of paralysis would be nothing short of agonizing,” he testified.