In light of the botched execution of Clayton D. Lockett on Tuesday, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has ordered an independent review of the state’s execution practices. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections will undergo a thorough examination of execution standards.
“I also believe the state needs to be certain of its protocols and it’s procedures for executions and that they work,” Fallin said at a press conference Wednesday.
The review seeks to determine Lockett’s accurate cause of death and whether or not the Department of Corrections followed existing protocol for Lockett’s execution. Additionally, the investigation will provide recommendations for improvements to the state’s execution processes.
This call to action comes shortly after the White House classified Lockett’s execution as “inhumane.”
Fallin has halted all scheduled executions until the independent review has been completed. There are still 51 remaining Oklahoma death row inmates who wait for an execution date.
Lauren Spurr