More Executions Delayed To 2020 In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Due to continuing struggles to obtain drugs used in executions, Governor Mike DeWine has delayed two planned executions. James Galen Hanna's and Kareem Jackson's executions have been moved to late 2020.

Ohio currently uses a three-drug lethal injection protocol. However, many drug manufacturers banned use of their products in executions. Those same manufacturers have threatened to cut off all sales of their products to Ohio government agencies. That is, in part, because some of the drugs used in Ohio executions have also been found to possibly create pain in prisoners.

"We believe Governor DeWine took the right action in issuing a reprieve rescheduling James Hanna’s execution date until July 16, 2020. A reprieve was necessary in light of the ongoing difficulties the state is having obtaining execution drugs. We are grateful that Governor DeWine continues to take a thoughtful and serious approach to capital punishment in our state," said David Stebbins, attorney for Hanna.

Hanna was sentenced to die after he was found guilty of stabbing and bludgeoning his prison cellmate in 1997, the Toledo Blade reported.

Jackson was found guilty of murdering two people during a drug-motivated robbery in Clinton Township in 1997, according to the Columbus Dispatch. His planned execution has been delayed several times.

DeWine has already ordered other executions delayed because of legal challenges to the state's execution method. The governor has postponed the execution of three other men: Warren Henness, Cleveland Jackson, and Gregory Lott.