An Arizona lawyer is asking for details about the state’s execution process. Although the request comes after a botched execution in Oklahoma earlier this week, he siad the timing is coincidental.
Federal public defender Dale Baich sent a letter to the Arizona Department of Corrections on Wednesday.
“There are two concerns. One, the quality of the drugs. And two, the competency of the persons who are setting the lines and injecting the drugs,” said Baich.
Baich said he wants this information to advise his clients who are awaiting execution.
“What the Department of Corrections has done in prior cases and over the last couple years is they have made information about the source of drugs available to us. Now all of a sudden they are claiming that this information is secret,” said Baich.
State law requires the identity of executioners is kept secret. Baich interprets that to mean confidentiality doesn’t cover the drug manufacturer. Doug Nick is with the Department of Corrections.
“We have received the letter and our process is that we will review the letter and uh that will take some time to do. We will answer appropriately,” said Nick.
Baich said if he doesn’t get the information he may take the issue to the courts.