Judge Rules on Tennessee Inmate’s Heart Device Before Execution
A Tennessee judge has ordered the deactivation of death-row inmate Byron Black’s implanted heart device before his scheduled lethal injection to prevent potential shocks during the execution. The ruling comes after Black’s attorneys argued the device could cause extreme pain if triggered by the pentobarbital. The order mandates the state to have medical professionals and equipment on hand for deactivation, though the state is likely to appeal. This decision follows a long legal battle, including a clemency request citing Black’s cognitive disabilities and medical conditions.
John Q. Hosedrinker