×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Company blocked from selling execution drug

The lawsuit says several recent executions involving the drug, compounded pentobarbital, indicate it will likely cause "severe, unnecessary, lingering and ultimately inhumane pain."

A federal judge has temporarily blocked an Oklahoma pharmacy from selling a drug to the Missouri Department of Corrections for use in an upcoming execution.

The judge agreed late Tuesday to issue a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit filed by Missouri death row inmate Michael Taylor.

Taylor's attorneys say the Department of Corrections contracts with The Apothecary Shoppe, a compounding pharmacy in Tulsa, to provide the drug set to be used in his Feb. 26 lethal injection.

The lawsuit says several recent executions involving the drug, compounded pentobarbital, indicate it will likely cause "severe, unnecessary, lingering and ultimately inhumane pain."

The state hasn't confirmed the pharmacy is the source for its drug. There was no immediate word on whether the ruling could delay the execution.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.