Tennessee will execute Oscar Franklin Smith this week while a lawsuit challenging the state’s new lethal injection protocol makes its way through the court system.
NashVillager Podcast: Lethal injection
Can execution be humane? Plus, the local news for April 16, 2025.
Tennessee’s new lethal injection protocol still carries concerns about painful deaths
Tennessee has a new lethal injection protocol and is moving to schedule executions. At the same time, there are lingering concerns about the new protocol.
Executions on pause in Tennessee after governor calls for independent review of lethal injections
Executions are on hold in Tennessee while a former U.S. Attorney is brought in to review the protocol that stopped a lethal injection late last month.
East Tennessee Man Put To Death By Electrocution For 1986 Double Murder
Listen An East Tennessee man has been executed for the 1986 murder of a teenage girl and her mother. Thursday night, Stephen West became the third person in the state to be put to death in the electric chair in less than a year. The electrocutions have come amid questions about whether the alternative, lethal […]
Donnie Johnson Executed For 1984 Murder Of His Wife
Listen A West Tennessee man was put death Thursday night at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. Donnie Johnson received lethal injection for the 1984 slaying of his wife, Connie. Supporters had emphasized Johnson’s religious awakening while behind bars, and his final moments reflected a spiritual theme.
Gov. Bill Lee Faces Decision About First Execution Under His Watch
A West Tennessee man is scheduled to be executed on Thursday for the murder of his wife — possibly becoming the first person to be executed under Gov. Bill Lee. The Republican has not said yet whether he’ll grant clemency to Donnie Johnson, who was sentenced to death for the 1984 murder of his wife, […]
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