By Canadian Press

Ohio governor delays 3 more executions while drugs reviewed

Mar 7, 2019 | 9:37 AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has delayed three additional executions to give the state prison system time to develop a new lethal injection method.

The Republican governor’s order Thursday follows a federal judge’s scathing critique in January of the first drug used in the current process, the sedative midazolam (mih-DAY’-zoh-lam).

Federal Judge Michael Merz said inmates could suffer severe pain because the drug doesn’t render them deeply enough unconscious.

DeWine delayed a February execution after the judge’s ruling and ordered a new process developed. But Merz questioned why Ohio was preparing for additional executions given that directive.

Election

Hawtin elected mayor in North Battleford; Battleford, Meadow Lake await results

11h ago

NURSES UNITE

'Giving back' : BUH nurses merge to expand community impact

19h ago

High school CPR

RM of N. Battleford to propose CPR be part of school curriculum

20h ago

DeWine said Thursday it was “highly unlikely” any new injection process would make it through expected lawsuits in time for the next three executions.

The decision delays executions scheduled for May, July and September.

Andrew Welsh-Huggins, The Associated Press