Ohio Senate president happy to talk execution alternatives

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof says he’s happy to discuss alternative execution methods as the state once again faces long capital punishment delays.

The delays followed Gov. Mike DeWine’s decision to postpone four executions to allow the state time to develop a new lethal injection method.

The governor’s order means it could be months or even years before that method is in place.

Prosecutors and some lawmakers have said it’s time to look at new methods to avoid ongoing lawsuits over lethal injection. Nitrogen gas is an option that has been discussed as an alternative during the lethal-injection debate.