Lawyers for South Carolina death row inmate Marion Bowman Jr. are seeking to halt his impending execution, citing concerns about the drug used for lethal injection. This follows the recent execution of Richard Moore, who allegedly experienced prolonged suffocation sensations, needing two doses of pentobarbital. An anesthesiologist stated that fluid found in Moore's lungs suggests he felt "feelings of drowning and suffocation during the 23 minutes that it took to bring about his death."
The state has dismissed these concerns, arguing alternatives like the electric chair or firing squad are available. They contend that autopsy results aligning with an anesthesiologist's review indicate Moore was unconscious soon after the initial sedative was administered. South Carolina's shield law keeps details about the drug's supplier and execution process confidential, further complicating Bowman's legal appeal.
Bowman, convicted in the 2001 murder of Kandee Martin, maintains his innocence and did not testify during his trial. His defense argues the execution protocol might not account for Bowman's obesity, risking complications in the intravenous procedure and drug dosage. As Bowman's Jan. 31 execution approaches, his legal team presses for more transparency in drug details and execution methods. This legal challenge comes amid broader scrutiny of lethal injection practices, with the federal government recently revising its execution protocols due to concerns over unnecessary suffering. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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