Texas executes first death row inmate

Texas executed Jamaal Howard, the 46-year-old death row inmate who became the 30th person executed in the US this year.

Howard executed after failed Christa Pike attempt

Howard was executed on 7 October after Christa Pike's failed lethal injection attempt in Tennessee.

Howard received fatal pentobarbital dose

Howard was pronounced dead at 8.03pm local time after receiving a fatal dose of pentobarbital at the state prison in Huntsville.

Howard sentenced for 2000 murder

Howard was sentenced to the death penalty for the 2000 murder of Vickie Swartout during an attempted robbery.

Howard's legal team blocked execution

Howard's legal team unsuccessfully tried to block the execution, claiming he was intellectually disabled and raising concerns about pentobarbital's effectiveness.

“Ms. Pike survived two lethal doses of pentobarbital, the same drug used in executions in Texas, and she reportedly remains hospitalised in critical condition.”

Howard's IQ and understanding

Howard's IQ is in the 65-70 range, functioning at an 11 or 12-year-old level, and he did not understand the execution process.

“I guess if the drugs don’t work, they’ll just shoot me in the head.”

Christa Pike's condition

Pike is now conscious and speaking but still believes it is September when asked for the date.

“She has some memories of being in the hospital but no memory, I believe, of the execution attempt.”

Tennessee halts executions

Tennessee has paused all upcoming executions until an investigation into the failed Christa Pike attempt is completed.

“The Tennessee Department of Correction followed every step of the State’s lawful, established execution protocol approved by the Attorney General’s Office.”