Failed execution of Idaho inmate

Failed execution of Idaho inmate

BOISE, ID. -- Convicted Idaho killer Thomas Creech was not executed as planned Wednesday morning.

According to Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC), around 10 a.m. PST, it was determined the medical team on site were unable to establish an IV line meaning they could not proceed with the lethal injection execution.

The medical team attempted eight times through multiple limbs to establish IV access, said Josh Tewalt, Director of IDOC.

Attempt to gain IV access began at Creech's right arm before moving to his right hand, left arm and eventually his legs. Tewalt said in some instances a vein was found but determined to not be suitable for injection.

Media witnesses say around 10:54 a.m. Creech lifted his had and said his legs hurt, which Tewalt said was due to cramp.

The procedure to execute Thomas Creech lasted about 45 minutes before Tim Richardson, IDOC Warden, and Tewalt decided to halt the execution.

"It's wrong to call it a failure. Our team did their level best respectful of the process," said Tewalt.

During the process Creech was looking at his family and mouthing words.

IDOC says Creech's death warrant will expire today.

Creech was moved to a private room to visit with his family.

The chemicals that were set aside for this execution are no longer usable, including the backup set they had prepared in case the first dose did not work. IDOC will need to acquire more chemicals should they choose to pursue another execution.

Tewalt noted the state does not have the physical capabilities of using the recently legalized firing squad method of execution, and firing squad would only be used if chemicals could not be acquired which was not the case.

The State of Idaho is considering next steps.

Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a statement on the failure.

“IDOC officials are experienced and well prepared for a variety of situations that can arise during lethal injection execution. The team of professionals at IDOC was prepared for the possibility that medical professionals would not be able to access the inmate's veins, a circumstance that has occurred in execution procedures elsewhere in the country. The competent and qualified medical professionals present and IDOC officials were cautious and did the right thing in not moving forward with the execution. My office will remain in close communication with IDOC about next steps."

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