Non-profit watchdog on U.S. capital punishment
The Independent reports that Tony Carruthers has received a one-year reprieve from execution after his botched injection, amid questions over lethal injection drugs, DNA testing, and his mental competence. The AP and The Independent corroborate that Carruthers, 57, was convicted in 1994 for kidnappings and murders and was forced to represent himself at trial.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced he now opposes the death penalty, arguing it does not deter violent crime and should be abolished. The move comes as he leaves office and amid a broader, national re-evaluation of capital punishment. The governor cites data on declining death sentences, long delays, and the toll on victims’ families and state workers.
Three inmates in Tennessee, Alabama and Oklahoma are scheduled for lethal injections, marking a surge in U.S. executions. Florida leads in 2025-26 activity, with experts citing political influence and evolving protocols as drivers. The events come after a 2010 triple-execution and concern over IV-line issues during Tennessee’s prior attempt.