Tennessee's Byron Black Execution: A Case of Complete Botch Fueled by Hate

Photos: YouTube Screenshots What transpired on Tuesday in Tennessee during what has been labeled a “completely botched” execution of Byron Black? This question resonates amid reports of a “gruesome and protracted death.” Observers noted Black repeatedly lifted his head and cried out in agony, uttering phrases like “I can’t do this” and “It hurts so bad.” His attorney, Kelley Henry, with a 25-year tenure, remarked to The Guardian, “Something went horribly, horribly wrong, and I don’t know what it is yet. I was merely an observer taking notes. Witnessing him raise his head in pain was startling; I couldn’t believe it unfolded. It was horrific.” Although Black met his fate via lethal injection, queries arise regarding whether a defibrillator inadvertently shocked him. Initial findings indicate that it did not. At 69, Black was executed for the supposed murders of Angela Clay and her two daughters. He had claimed innocence and faced cognitive impairments from birth. Henry has long advocated for recognition of his intellectual challenges.