NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Governor Bill Lee is delaying the execution of Tony Von Carruthers, a man sentenced to death after he was found guilty of 1994 kidnappings and murders, for one year.
The temporary reprieve Thursday comes after officials were unable to find a vein for one hour. The Tennessee Department of Correction said medical personnel quickly established a primary IV line but could not immediately establish a backup line as required by the lethal injection execution protocol. The team continued to follow the protocol but could not find another suitable vein, leading to the execution being called off.
Maria DeLiberato, an attorney for Carruthers, said she saw Carruthers “wincing and groaning,” calling it “horrible” to watch…