California to execute third inmate in as many months

California prepared last night to execute its third death row inmate in as many months. For the first time an anaesthetist was present to minimise the condemned man’s pain.

Michael Angelo Morales, 46, was moved to a “death watch” cell at 6pm (2am Irish time) after the US Supreme Court refused to grant a stay and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger again denied his request for clemency in the torture, rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl 25 years ago.