Oklahoma executes inmate using new drug combination

Associated Press

MCALESTER, Okla.

Oklahoma officials executed a convicted murderer Thursday using a drug combination that includes a sedative commonly used to euthanize animals, after a nationwide shortage of a key ingredient forced the state to tinker with the usual formula.

John David Duty was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. The 58-year-old, who was sentenced to die for strangling his cellmate nearly a decade ago, is believed to be the first person in the United States whose execution included the use of pentobarbital.

Strapped to a gurney and wearing an eye patch over his right eye, the heavyset Duty apologized to his victim’s family.

“I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive me, not for my sake, but for your own,” Duty said. “Thank you, Lord Jesus. I’m ready to go home.”

He also acknowledged three of his attorneys and his brother and sister-in-law, all of whom witnessed the execution from an adjacent room. “You’ve all been a blessing,” he told them.

The lethal drugs began to flow at 6:12 p.m., and Duty’s breathing became labored one minute later. At 6:15 p.m., he appeared to stop breathing and the color began to drain from his face.

“There didn’t appear to be any issues with the new drug,” Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie said afterward.

Duty and two other death-row inmates had challenged the state’s decision to use pentobarbital, arguing it could be inhumane because a person could be paralyzed but still aware when a painful third drug is administered to stop the heart. On Tuesday, a federal appeals court upheld a ruling against the other two inmates. Duty did not take part in the appeal.