Dismissed Investigator Claims ‘No Humane Method’ for Executing Lethal Injections

PHOENIX — David Duncan, the former federal magistrate appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs to review the state’s execution processes, revealed the reasons for his dismissal on Wednesday. He stated that his findings regarding lethal injection did not align with the governor’s preferences.

Duncan explained that his mission involved investigating past lethal injection executions criticized as “botched.” His inquiry aimed to determine the feasibility of executing individuals humanely through this method.

Despite the complex nature of the task, Duncan expressed concerns about the inherent challenges in achieving a humane execution. He noted that understanding the difficulties faced in previous executions was crucial for recommendations moving forward.

As discussions about lethal injection continue in Arizona, the fallout from Duncan’s dismissal raises questions about the direction of state policies regarding capital punishment. His insights could have contributed to addressing public concerns about the method’s reliability and compassion.

The complexity of lethal injection protocols and their implications for both the executed and society at large is likely to remain a contentious issue in Arizona’s legal and political landscape.