LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – A federal judge has granted a request from attorneys to preserve evidence from the body of an inmate who lurched and convulsed on the gurney during his Thursday night execution.
U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker ordered the Department of Correction on Friday to request the state medical examiner collect blood and tissue samples from the body of Kenneth Williams, who was put to death late Thursday. Baker also ordered the department request the medical examiner conduct an autopsy.
Baker ordered the blood and tissue samples preserved until a further order from her court.
Attorneys are seeking a full investigation of Williams’ execution, but Gov. Asa Hutchinson says the state will conduct only a routine review that’s done after every lethal injection.
Arkansas put four inmates to death this month. Four other prisoners who were set for execution received stays.
U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker ordered the Department of Correction on Friday to request the state medical examiner collect blood and tissue samples from the body of Kenneth Williams, who was put to death late Thursday. Baker also ordered the department request the medical examiner conduct an autopsy.
Baker ordered the blood and tissue samples preserved until a further order from her court.
Attorneys are seeking a full investigation of Williams’ execution, but Gov. Asa Hutchinson says the state will conduct only a routine review that’s done after every lethal injection.
Arkansas put four inmates to death this month. Four other prisoners who were set for execution received stays.
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