Frank Atwood: Federal Appeals Court Weighs Legal Innocence Arguments
What’s New
Phoenix Newspapers, Inc. has demanded the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry comply with the permanent injunction issued by the U.S. District Court, which requires execution witnesses be permitted “to view the entirety of the execution.” In Mr. Dixon’s execution, when the curtains separating the execution chamber from the witness room were opened, Mr. Dixon was already strapped to the gurney and covered with a blanket. Phoenix Newspapers, Inc. also demands that the Arizona Republic be permitted to attend upcoming executions, including Frank Atwood’s, as a media witness. Read the Republic’s story and the demand letter at AZ Central.
According to media witnesses, it took 25 minutes for the execution team to insert an IV into Mr. Dixon. Eventually, the team made an incision in his groin in order to access a vein, requiring them to clean up “a fair amount of blood.” After the drugs were administered, Dixon gasped and then lost consciousness after a few minutes. Read additional reporting from AZ Central.
Media is reporting that Mr. Dixon was executed this morning. There was a delay due to the execution team having trouble finding a suitable vein. Mr. Dixon is reported to have appeared to be in pain. Follow updates at AZ Central.
NOT FOR ATTRIBUTION, OTHER THAN THE QUOTATION
The Arizona Supreme Court has granted the State’s Motion for Execution Warrant for Mr. Atwood. He is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection or lethal gas on June 8.
The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency unanimously voted to deny commutation or reprieve to Clarence Dixon. Read the Arizona Republic’s reporting
ABC15 in Phoenix offers additional coverage of the Arizona Supreme Court’s order denying the Attorney General’s request to modify the briefing schedule on their planned motion for execution warrants for Clarence Dixon and Frank Atwood. Read the article here.
The Arizona Supreme Court has denied the State’s request to modify the briefing schedule for its motions for execution warrants in the cases of Clarence Dixon and Frank Atwood. The court also vacated the briefing schedule and ordered that the state may renew its request after it completes specialized testing of the compounded pentobarbital. Media coverage is below.
https://www.kold.com/2021/07/12/arizona-supreme-court-state-cant-rush-execution-long-standing-death-row-inmates/
July 12, 2021
