Durr insists that, given his allergy, it is not clear how he will react to the anesthesia. The state has filed papers saying that there is no record of such an allergy in his past and that he appeared to have previously been given the drug without complications.
The allergic reaction to such anesthesia is reduced breathing and low blood pressure, but an expert insists that this is not particularly troubling when you are being executed. Mark Dershwitz, a University of Massachusetts professor and physician, told the state: “Such effects are irrelevant in the context of an execution because they would occur after the inmate loses consciousness and because the intent is to bring about a rapid death.”
U.S. District Judge Gregory Frost predictably ruled against him, finding the claim was unproven and thus not a ground for delay of the execution.
Durr is scheduled to be executed on April 20 for the 1988 rape and murder of 16-year-old Angel Vincent of Elyria, Ohio. He has also demanded DNA testing, here.
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