McALESTER, Okla. — The U.S. Supreme Court says Oklahoma can proceed with its first execution since a botched one last spring.
Justices voted 5-4 against intervening in the case of Charles Frederick Warner. He was convicted in the 1997 rape and beating death of his roommate’s 11-month-old daughter.
Defense lawyers said a surgical sedative couldn’t knock Warner out well enough to ensure he won’t feel other drugs stop his lungs and heart.
Oklahoma prison officials delayed Warner’s scheduled 6 p.m. CST execution while waiting for the court to rule. Other courts had ruled against Warner, too.
Clayton Lockett writhed and moaned during a 43-minute execution in April.