US Executions Face Scrutiny as Botched Procedures Persist

The recent execution of Brad Signmon by firing squad on March 7, 2024, has reignited discussions about the methods and ethics of capital punishment in the United States. This marked the first execution in 15 years using this method and the fourth instance since the death penalty was reinstated. The decision to return to firing squads raises concerns about the frequency of botched executions and their implications for the justice system.

The Eighth Amendment prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment,” yet numerous reports highlight alarming incidents during executions. Disturbing accounts tell of prisoners experiencing excruciating pain, with some executions taking up to an hour. An upcoming book, titled The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America and One Inmate’s Quest to Die with Dignity, by Gianna Toboni, examines these issues, sharing harrowing stories of death row inmates and the grim realities of their final moments.

One particularly chilling narrative involves John Louis Evans, who suffered through three jolts of electricity during his execution in Alabama in 1983. His ordeal ended only after his body caught fire, a horrific reminder of the potential consequences of flawed execution methods. In 1994, the electric chair was deemed “unreliable,” leading to the first execution by lethal gas in three decades with David Lawson. His death was marked by screams and pleas for mercy as cyanide gas engulfed him in North Carolina’s death chamber.

With the introduction of lethal injection in 1977, many states adopted this method, believing it to be a swift and humane alternative. Nevertheless, this method has also been plagued by complications. Over the past decade, at least one botched execution has been reported each year, culminating in seven problematic cases in 2022 alone. The year was dubbed the “year of the botched execution,” highlighting the ongoing challenges associated with lethal injection.

In February 2024, the execution of Thomas Creech, known as Idaho’s longest-serving death row inmate, was halted after medical staff struggled for over an hour to locate a suitable vein. This incident was later referenced by Bryan Kohberger‘s legal team as part of their argument against capital punishment.

The issues with locating veins during executions have led to distressing scenarios, as seen in April 2014 when Clayton Lockett was unable to have the injection administered properly. Witnesses described a horrifying scene where blood “squirted” from his body during the procedure. After receiving the lethal drugs, Lockett regained consciousness, leading to a prolonged death that lasted 43 minutes, during which he exhibited signs of distress.

The debate over the morality of capital punishment continues, especially as methods like firing squads gain traction. Former Utah state representative Paul Ray, who advocated for the return of this execution method, argues that the heinous crimes committed by these individuals justify their punishment. He stated, “See what they did to their victims, and then let’s talk about being brutal. The fact is, these guys are monsters.”

As the U.S. grapples with the complexities and ethical dilemmas of capital punishment, the spotlight remains on the execution methods employed and the human impact of these decisions. The narratives shared in Toboni’s book serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for reform in the execution process. The conversation surrounding the death penalty is far from over, as society continues to confront the implications of taking a life.