Summary
Tennessee executed Byron Black, a 69-year-old man with an implanted defibrillator, despite concerns the device might prolong his death by trying to restart his heart. Black was convicted of a 1988 triple murder, and his lawyers' attempts to stop the execution were unsuccessful. The US Supreme Court and Tennessee's governor allowed the execution to proceed.
Key Facts
- Byron Black was executed in Tennessee for a 1988 triple homicide.
- Black had an implanted defibrillator, which raised concerns during his execution by lethal injection.
- His lawyers argued that the defibrillator could violate the Eighth Amendment by causing cruel and unusual punishment.
- The US Supreme Court and Tennessee's governor did not halt the execution.
- Black was pronounced dead at 10:43 am local time.
- This was Tennessee's second execution since May after a five-year pause.
- Capital punishment remains legal in 27 US states and at the federal level.
- President Trump has expressed support for expanding the use of the death penalty.
