Alabama calls off execution after difficulties inserting IV

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Alabama calls off execution after difficulties inserting IV

By KIM CHANDLER
November 18, 2022

ATMORE, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s execution of a man convicted in the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of a preacher’s wife was called off Thursday just before the midnight deadline because state officials couldn’t find a suitable vein to inject the lethal drugs.

Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said prison staff tried for about an hour to get the two required intravenous lines connected to Kenneth Eugene Smith, 57. Hamm said they established one line but were unsuccessful with a second line after trying several locations on Smith’s body. Officials then tried a central line, which involves a catheter placed into a large vein.

“We were not able to have time to complete that, so we called off the execution,” Hamm said.

It is the second execution since September the state has canceled because of difficulties with establishing an IV line with a deadline looming.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/alabama-executions-fd4937918b0529c07c005ace7a357b84


This undated photo provided by Alabama Department of Corrections shows inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was convicted in a 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of a preacher’s wife. Smith, 57, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at a south Alabama prison on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP).

[rampartc]

1. i have had many ivs and lots of blood work

there is a wide variance in the skill levels of the nurses who usually do the penetration. the good ones are fast and painless. i don't complain about the others (though i hate the excuses and blaming my veins which were perfectly ok for the last girl) because they probably need the practice.

oh, the death penally. i don't like it (too many innocent people on death row in my state.) but why is this medical procedure preferable to firing squad, hanging, or guillotine?

[Eugene]

2. Lethal injection usually lacks the visible horror associated with other forms of execution.

It looks peaceful, even humane, on the outside. No gore, no burning flesh and usually no gasping.

[harumph]

3. Yes, lethal injection, the "acceptable" face of execution.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

4. Abolish the death penalty.

[BlueTsunami2018]

5. If you're going to have the death penalty, use an effective method.

These attempts to be “humane” are more traumatic than a simple bullet behind the ear. Trying to make it bloodless is pretty much an admission that you’re participating in barbarity.

[PJMcK]

6. The death penalty is barbaric

It has no place in an advanced and civilized society.

Oh, wait…

[Buckeyeblue]

7. I would rather be shot

I would think bullet in the heart wouldn't take long to end a person's life. And I bet the pain is minimal given that the body would go into immediate shock.

I'm not for capital punishment. Although when someone's victim is a child, I find it difficult to remain consistent.