Disputed Whether the execution team properly carried out the procedure
Pike's lawyers alleged IV-line failures, problems with drug delivery and a failure to correct the problem.
Sources (2)
“…difficult vein access, blown veins, degraded pentobarbital, no emergency medical care available when things inevitably go wrong, all under a protocol that remains veiled in secrecy”
Pike’s attorneys, Christa Pike's lawyers · our summary of The Guardian
The Department of Correction said it followed every step of the approved protocol and that its lethal-injection chemical had consistently been effective.
Sources (2)
“The Tennessee Department of Correction followed every step of the state’s lawful, established execution protocol approved by the Attorney General’s Office”
“The lethal injection chemical in the protocol has consistently been effective, and the protocol does not allow for additional procedures beyond what was carried out this evening.”
