IDAHO — The Idaho Department of Corrections made changes to its execution chamber and procedures following the failed execution of convicted killer Thomas Eugene Creech.
Creech was supposed to be executed on February 28, 2024, for a string of murders he committed back in 1974. He was the longest-standing person on Idaho’s death row.
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On the day of the execution, the medical team for the execution could not establish an IV line, despite trying eight times through multiple limbs. This meant they could not move forward with the lethal injection execution.
IDOC said at the time of the execution, it lacked the proper environment tosuccessfully conduct the procedure.
Since then, the execution block has been renovated and inmates will now be taken to a preparation room to establish IV lines before being taken to the execution chamber. If the medical team cannot establish an IV, a physician will work to establish a central line.
“Our previous protocols proved effective at protecting the integrity of the process and ensuring adherence with 8th amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment,” said IDOC Director Josh Tewalt. “These changes enhance the State’s ability to carry out an execution by lethal injection by ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to establish IV access.”
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