The Oklahoma DPS report,'The Execution of Clayton Lockett is available in Adobe .pdf format. You can also access it via the New York Times.
Today's Tulsa World publishes the updated report, "IV errors, lack of training cited in Oklahoma botched execution report," by Cary Aspinwall and Ziva Branstetter. It's the single most detailed news article.
Oklahoma planned to execute two inmates on the night of April 29, but the prison didn’t have key medical equipment or a contingency plan in case things went wrong.
The state’s official investigation, released Thursday, cites problems with the IV that was supposed to deliver the lethal drugs as “the single greatest factor” in Clayton Lockett’s botched execution. The report recommends several remedies to Oklahoma’s execution protocol, including improvements in training, communication, and a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
A paramedic and doctor in the execution chamber made numerous attempts to start an IV that night, but most were ultimately unsuccessful, the report revealed.
"IV Misplaced in Oklahoma Execution, Report Says," is by Erik Eckholm in the New York Times.
An official report released Thursday about a bungled execution in Oklahoma in April says that an improperly placed intravenous line in the prisoner’s groin allowed the drugs to perfuse surrounding tissue rather than to flow directly into his bloodstream.
The report was ordered by Gov. Mary Fallin after the prolonged writhing and gasping of the prisoner, Clayton D. Lockett, during an execution that drew global attention to death penalty procedures and problems associated with lethal injections.
Because the groin area was covered with a sheet as the injections began — first a sedative intended to render Mr. Lockett unconscious, and then paralyzing and heart-stopping agents — the doctor and paramedic on the scene did not see the bulge, larger than a golf ball, indicating a procedure gone awry, said the report by Michael C. Thompson, the commissioner of public safety.
"Oklahoma report: Executioners need more training," is AP coverage by Tim Talley.
Oklahoma turned to a 15-year physician and a medical technician with 40 years' experience to put Clayton Lockett to death, yet his execution still went awry.
Now, investigators are recommending more training for executioners, blaming Lockett's flawed, lengthy lethal injection on April 29 on poor placement of intravenous lines and a warden's decision that modesty was more important than monitoring Lockett for signs of trouble. The three drugs administered were not a factor, the state said.
The findings and recommendations of the governor-requested, state-handled investigation highlight the difficulty that death penalty states face in making sure the people performing a grim medical procedure are properly prepared to see it through.
Also from AP, "Oklahoma executions on hold after release of report on botched injection," via the Guardian.
In its report released on Thursday about the troubled 29 April execution of Clayton Lockett — who was declared dead 43 minutes after his execution began — the state department of public safety made 11 recommendations including more training for medical personnel and having additional supplies of lethal drugs and equipment on hand.
The corrections director, Robert Patton, is reviewing the guidelines, Fallin said, adding that she expects the department to implement them before executions resume. Three executions have been set for November and December, the first on 13 November.
Governor Mary Fallin said she still believes the death penalty is a just punishment for those guilty of the most heinous crimes, but that the state must make sure it is carried out effectively.
There is extensive additional coverage, including:
'Oklahoma report blames intravenous-line woes for problematic execution," by Michael MuskaL for the Los Angeles Times.
"Oklahoma Finds Faulty IV Insertion 'Major Issue' in Botched Execution," by Nathan Koppel in the Wall Street Journal.
"Report: IV difficulties behind botched Oklahoma execution," by Mariano Castillo at CNN.
"Oklahoma investigation into botched execution finds problems with IV insertion, training of execution team," by Mark Berman in the Washington Post.
"Okla. executioners unaware drugs missed inmate's vein," by Gregg Zoroya at USA Today.
"Prison warden present at botched execution handed Oklahoma role," by Katie Fretland for the Guardian.
"IV badly placed in botched US execution," by AFP, via GlobalPost.
"Failed IVs and confusion at Oklahoma's troubled execution - report," by Jon Herskovitz and Heide Brandes at Reuters.
"Report: IV line incorrectly placed in botched Oklahoma execution," by Frances Burns for UPI.
"Oklahoma report: Botched execution result of poor monitoring of IV line," at Al Jazeera America.
"State Releases Summary of Lockett Execution Investigation," by Matt Trotter at Tulsa Public Radio.
Oklahoma's Skiatook Journal reports, "Rep. Dorman comments on execution report."
Rep. Joe Dorman, Democratic Party nominee for governor, released the following statement on the findings of the state's investigation on Clayton Lockett's botched execution:
"Once again, Mary Fallin has succeeded in creating a biased report in her continued efforts to keep Oklahomans from knowing the full truth. This report was led by Fallin's Cabinet Secretary of Safety and Security, Mike Thompson, who can be fired by Fallin and witnessed the botched execution. I question his ability to conduct an unbiased investigation. Further, until recently her office kept the official execution logs and autopsy report under lock and key, leaving us all to wonder what Mary is hiding.
"Report finds inconsistent accounts of Lockett execution," by Janelle Stecklein of CNHI News Service, via the Muskogee Daily Phoenix.
"Oklahoma DPS commissioner offers remarks on execution investigation," at the Oklahoman.
"Oklahoma halts death row executions after investigation into botched lethal injection," by Amar Toor at the Verge.
"Oklahoma Execution Review Finds Lack Of Training, 'Antiquated' Processes," by Chris Geidner at BuzzFeed.
Earlier coverage of the Oklahoma DPS report on the botched execution of Clayton Lockett begins at the link.
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