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Idaho Serial Killer Granted Stay of Execution
A federal judge granted a stay of execution for Idaho serial killer Thomas Creech, following a botched lethal injection in February.
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United States
JusticeHuman Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsDeath PenaltyLegal CaseSerial KillerExecution
Idaho Department Of CorrectionUs District Court For The District Of IdahoIdaho Supreme CourtAda County Prosecutor’s OfficeCnn
Thomas CreechDavid Dale JensenJudge G. Murray SnowJosh Tewalt
- What crime was Thomas Creech initially sentenced to death for?
- Creech was sentenced to death in 1982 for the 1981 murder of another inmate while serving four life sentences. He has confessed to killing upwards of 40 people.
- What action was taken regarding Thomas Creech's scheduled execution?
- Thomas Creech, a 74-year-old Idaho serial killer, was granted a stay of execution just one week before his scheduled death. This follows a botched execution attempt in February where establishing an IV line proved impossible after eight attempts.
- What arguments did Creech's attorneys make to support their request for a stay?
- Creech's attorneys argued that another execution attempt would constitute cruel and unusual punishment, violating double jeopardy principles, and potentially amount to torture given the previous failed attempt. The judge agreed to grant a reprieve.
- Describe the difficulties encountered during the botched execution attempt in February.
- The Idaho Department of Correction spent nearly an hour attempting to establish IV access in Creech's arms, hands, and ankles during the February execution. Each attempt resulted in vein collapse, leading to the decision to halt the procedure.
- How frequent are executions in Idaho, and what is the current status of Creech's execution?
- Executions are rare in Idaho; since 1976, only three have been carried out. Creech's second execution has been suspended due to the granted stay, and the death warrant has expired.