Oklahoma executions on hold during drug review

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Executions are again on hold in Oklahoma after the U.S. Supreme Court granted the state’s request to postpone lethal injections while justices review a challenge over the use of a particular sedative.

The court on Wednesday ordered Oklahoma to halt lethal injections after both the state and the lawyers for three inmates who faced execution between now and March requested the temporary stay.

The justices agreed Friday to consider the challenge to the use of the sedative midazolam, which has been used in problematic executions in Arizona, Ohio and Oklahoma.

Left open by Wednesday’s order is the possibility that Oklahoma can carry out an execution that doesn’t involve midazolam.

An Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesman said Wednesday that the state has as yet been unable to find an alternative drug.