Idaho halts execution by lethal injection after failure to establish intravenous line

The US state of Idaho abandoned its attempt to execute serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech on 28 February after its execution team failed to establish a working intravenous (IV) line through which to deliver pentobarbital.

“The team attempted eight times, through multiple limbs and appendages, to establish IV access,” Josh Tewalt, director of the Idaho Department of Correction, told a press conference. Each time they either failed to access a vein or had doubts about “vein quality,” he said.

Media witnesses said that a three member execution team, who wore white balaclavas to hide their identities, tried to insert needles into Creech’s arms, legs, hands, and feet. They used infrared vein finders, hot compresses, and blood pressure cuffs in their efforts, and at one point a member left the room to get more supplies. But at 10:58 am, 58 minutes into the process, …