Botched execution could spell end of death penalty

The problems that arose during the attempted execution of an inmate in the US could hasten the end of capital punishment, says Heide Brandes in Oklahoma City.

CLAYTON LOCKETT died during a botched execution in Oklahoma on Tuesday, minutes after a doctor had called a halt to the procedure, raising more questions about new death penalty cocktails used by the state and others.

Thirteen minutes after a doctor administered a lethal injection at the state’s death chamber in McAlester, Lockett lifted his head and started mumbling.