This review was directed by Governor Brewer and initiated by the department immediately following the execution on Wednesday, July 23.
“I am committed to a thorough, transparent and comprehensive review process,” Director Ryan stated. “This will be an authoritative review to ensure that fact-based conclusions are reached regarding every aspect of this procedure, including the length of time it took for the execution to be lawfully completed.”
In accordance with standard department procedure following every execution, records of the execution process have been released to attorneys for the state and the inmate.
These records indicate the length of the procedure and the amount of drugs administered comply with the department’s mandate under state law to administer “…an intravenous injection of a substance or substances in a lethal quantity sufficient to cause death, under the supervision of the state department of corrections.” (A.R.S. § 13-757(A))
A total of 750 mg each of Midazolam and Hydromorphone were administered to inmate Wood during the execution process.
The records provided today show that Director Ryan, continually conferred with the IV team, and directed additional Midazolam and Hydromorphone to be administered ensuring the inmate remained deeply sedated throughout the process, and did not endure pain. The administration of these drugs is permitted under Department Order 710. The procedure ensured that from 1:57 PM – three minutes after the administration of the execution drugs – until death was declared at 3:49 PM, the inmate was deeply sedated, and experienced no pain. The inmate’s sedation level was continually monitored and verified by the IV team, which includes a licensed medical doctor.
More information is being gathered, including the final report from the Pima County Medical Examiner, which includes a toxicology report, and other information and materials that will be collected through department and other sources. The timeframe for completion of the report will depend in part on the amount of time it takes to review the necessary information.
The external reviewer will have autonomy and authority to use all available department resources to produce a report, which will provide the basis for Director Ryan’s final report and recommendations to the Governor.
“Despite the attention given to this execution, the level of transparency and openness regarding executions is consistent with established and long-standing Department of Corrections policy,” Said Ryan. “As Director, I am committed to a full, complete and transparent account of the events of inmate Wood’s execution.”