Misplaced IV Line Responsible For Botched Oklahoma Execution, Report Finds

Misplaced IV Line Responsible For Botched Oklahoma Execution, Report Finds A misplaced intravenous line was responsible for the botched execution of an Oklahoma inmate last April, an official report released on Thursday found. Clayton D. Lockett suffered a prolonged execution because the IV line inserted into his groin area delivered the fatal dosage of drugs to the surrounding tissue rather than directly into the bloodstream. Enlarge this image toggle caption Uncredited/AP Uncredited/AP The New York Times reports: "Because the groin area was covered with a sheet as the injections began — first a sedative intended to render Mr. Lockett unconscious, and then paralyzing and heart-stopping agents — the doctor and paramedic on the scene did not see the golf-ball-sized bulge indicating a procedure gone awry, said the report by Michael C. Thompson, the commissioner of public safety. "The report, which described prison officials as ill-prepared for unusual circumstances during an execution, recommended keeping injection sites visible at all times and improving the training of prison officials who inject the lethal drugs."