The state Attorney General’s office announced this morning that Death Row inmates Jack Jones and Marcel Williams, scheduled to be put to death on Monday night, were unable to convince federal District Judge Kristine Baker to grant a preliminary injunction to halt their executions.

Attorneys for Jones and Williams sought the injunction claiming that midazolam, one of the three drugs used in the lethal 
injections, would cause the inmates pain because of obesity and their poor health.

Advertisement

Both Williams and Jones have diabetes, neuropathy and sleep apnea, according to an anesthesiologist who examined the inmates, according to a report on KARK-TV, Channel 4. That doctor, Joel Zivot of Emory University in Atlanta, has also complained that drugs that could save lives are being stockpiled for lethal use in U.S. prisons.

Jeff Rosenzweig, attorney for Jones, also told the federal court that Jones takes methadone, which would interfere with the the midazolam’s effectiveness, Ch. 4 reports.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. is just plain good Next article Department of Correction releases records related to Lee execution