Nevada execution delayed indefinitely after ruling on drug
LAS VEGAS — A state trying to execute its first inmate in 12 years using an untested combination of drugs is heading back to planning stages, and a twice-convicted killer who wants to die will return to death row, after a court postponed his lethal injection to allow a drug company to argue that it never intended for a sedative that it makes to be used for executions.
Scott Raymond Dozier’s lawyer, Thomas Ericsson, called Wednesday “a roller-coaster” for Dozier, his family and two close friends who were meeting for what they believed to be the last time at a prison in the remote northeastern city of Ely when they were notified that Dozier’s execution was off.
Dozier, whose execution also was postponed in November amid concerns about the drugs being used and who has attempted suicide in the past, was disappointed, Ericsson said. Dozier, 47, has said he wants to die rather than spend his life in prison.
Prisons spokeswoman Brooke Santina said Dozier was placed on suicide watch as a precaution to give officials time to have him undergo a psychological evaluation. Dozier was also placed on suicide watch after his execution was postponed in November.