Tennessee stops execution after failing to find vein for lethal drugs
The execution of death row inmate Tony Carruthers in Tennessee was halted after officials were unable to find a suitable vein for lethal injection. His attorney described the situation as distressing, noting that Carruthers appeared to be in pain during the process. This incident has raised concerns about the execution methods used in the state.
- ▪The execution was called off after officials struggled for an hour to find a vein.
- ▪Carruthers' attorney witnessed him wincing and groaning during the attempt.
- ▪The state corrections department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the incident.
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U.S. Tennessee stops execution after failing to find inmate's vein for lethal drugs, attorney says May 21, 2026 / 1:54 PM EDT / AP Add CBS News on Google The planned execution of death row inmate Tony Carruthers in Tennessee was called off Thursday after officials struggled to find a vein for an hour, according to his attorney, who was present at the execution.Maria DeLiberato, an attorney for Carruthers, said she saw Carruthers "wincing and groaning" and called it "horrible" to watch.An email to a spokeswoman for the state corrections department was not immediately returned.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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