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Report On Botched Execution Released Today

Oklahoma Department of Corrections
/
Oklahoma Watch

A review of an Oklahoma execution that was halted midway through says an improperly monitored IV line likely caused problems in administering three lethal drugs.

The report released Thursday by the OklahomaDepartment of Public Safety noted that a paramedic and physician inserted the intravenous line in Clayton Lockett's groin after failing to find a suitable veins in his arms, legs, neck and feet.

The report says the IV site was covered with a sheet and not monitored until Lockett began moving unexpectedly after receiving two doses of drugs on April 29.

The report says investigators couldn't determine the effectiveness of the drugs, which included midazolam, because of the IV line failure.

Gov. Mary Fallin had no immediate comment on the report, nor did a corrections department spokesman.

11 RECOMMENDATIONS

Investigators have made 11 recommendations for how Oklahoma should handle future executions, including more training for medical personnel and having additional supplies on hand.

Thursday's report on the April 29 execution of Clayton Lockett says that due to manpower and facility concerns, Oklahoma shouldn't schedule an execution within seven days of each other. It also calls for more training for prison officials and medical personnel involved in executions.

Another recommendation calls for the Department of Corrections to have additional execution supplies on hand in case something goes wrong with the first set.

The report also says officials should contact the governor for a possible postponement if it takes more than one hour to insert an IV during an execution.

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