Oklahoma officials botch execution of Death Row inmate, causing him to writhe in pain for over 40 minutes before dying

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Inmate Clayton Lockett, who received a lethal injection, did not die for over 40 minutes
Lockett writhed and groaned before finally dying
State claimed that Lockett's veins had failed, autopsy shows that they were pricked multiple times by needle
Oklahoma has placed a moratorium on executions until the issue is resolved

Published: 00:57 EST, 14 June 2014 | Updated: 06:33 EST, 14 June 2014

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An Oklahoma inmate condemned to death by lethal injection died because of an error in the way the IV was administered, according to the results of a private autopsy released Friday.

The autopsy, which was arranged by lawyers representing condemned Oklahoma inmates, determined that prisoner Clayton Lockett, who died following a botched execution, had healthy veins but his body had punctures from multiple attempts to tap them.

Pathologist Dr. Joseph Cohen performed the autopsy, which challenged the official explanation that Lockett died because of his veins being 'blown out.'

Clayton Lockett, the prisoner who was condemned to die by lethal injection in Oklahoma. He instead was not killed by the drugs for over 40 minutes

Cohen said Lockett had good veins. He said it appeared the execution team failed repeatedly while inserting an intravenous line.

'Contrary to statements by the state, Mr. Lockett’s veins did not collapse or "blow out,"' according to Cohen’s findings. 'Rather, despite the excellent condition of Mr. Lockett’s veins, the execution team made numerous failed attempts to set an IV, eventually setting an improperly placed and ineffective IV in Mr. Lockett’s femoral vein.'

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According to Cohen, placing an IV in the femoral vein, which is in the groin area, is a more painful and risky way to inject drugs intravenously.

Cohen also said more information was needed to determine why Lockett died. Oklahoma officials said previously that it appeared Lockett didn't receive a full dose of three lethal drugs.

Attorney David Slane (pictured left) speaks to the media on the execution of Clayton Lockett as State Senator Connie Johnson (pictured right) listens from the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Apirl 30, 2014. The state claimed that Lockett apparently died of a massive heart attack during his botched execution.

The State of Oklahoma has put a moratorium on executions until the problem with Locketts can be fully evaluated

Lockett's April execution was halted after the execution team discovered a problem with the IV, but he died shortly afterward.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Lockett writhed, groaned, and attempted to speak after receiving the lethal injection. He died 43 minutes after the drugs had been administered.

Results from a state autopsy are pending. Toxicology reports haven't been issued, so it's unclear how much of the drugs Lockett received.

Oklahoma has imposed a moratorium on executions in the state, until a full examination of the issues surrounding Lockett's botched execution are fully examined.

Private autopsy blames Oklahoma for botched execution

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Louise Collins, Dublin, Ireland, 23 minutes ago

Nice to see how at base Level so many people are horrible. WE are meant to be executing the man NOT torturing him. What medical team cant insert a IV properly? Are they students! How can we non killers claim a moral high ground while baying like dogs at the idea he suffered. Sick.

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Jane, K-zoo, Mi., 27 minutes ago

Claiming it was botched is unfair. Some people just have bad veins. Anxiety can make it worse as the veins constrict. My poor son has bad veins and a medical condition that requires frequent IVs. He's had to endure numerous pokes and tugs, times when they found a vein only to have it go bad before they can get the IV in, but I don't say the nurses botched anything, that's just the way it is.

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Alan, Gloucester UK, United Kingdom, 45 minutes ago

So whats the problem?

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Brian-A, Almeria, Spain, 3 hours ago

Good,make them suffer for days,weeks.Did they give a dam when committing the crimes,they new the end result !

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americanblood, Duluth, United States, 3 hours ago

He got what he deserved no more no less. Many would rather he suffered more for his crimes. He put himself where he was, not anyone else folks. Now its pay up time.