Governor to review execution procedures

December 14, 2006
Governor to review execution procedures

At Gov. Jeb Bush’s request, the Department of Corrections will review the procedures used in the unusually lengthy execution of a condemned inmate Wednesday night.

DOC Secretary James McDonough appointed two corrections officials and an official from the state health department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to the team that will review the execution. McDonough released a statement Thursday that said Bush directed him to conduct the review.

It took 34 minutes for Angel Diaz to die of lethal injection Wednesday night. Corrections officials had to take the unusual step of giving Diaz a second dose of lethal drugs.

Diaz, who was condemned for the 1979 murder of a topless bar manager during a robbery, appeared to wince in pain for several minutes before he died. His body also shuddered and his breathing continued for more than 20 minutes. Most executions are over within 15 minutes.

"At the direction of Governor Bush, I have appointed a team to conduct a thorough review of the Dec. 13 execution of Angel Diaz," McDonough said in a statement. "The team will interview all individuals present in the execution chamber during the procedure and review all pertinent information.

Additionally, we have asked that the medical examiner proceed expeditiously with the autopsy of Mr. Diaz."

--Chris Tisch