Update: Morales Execution Delayed - (CDC Official Calls Morales 'Upbeat' and 'Cooperative’)

CBS 5 San Francisco ^ | 2-20-06 | local cbs

[Zeon Cowboy]

I can't believe this. How obscene.

What about the family of the victim? They've been looking forward to this day for the past 25 years - the day when their daughter's killer is finally brought to justice. The day when they can finally rest assured that this sick freak is no longer breathing the same air as the rest of us. The day that they can finally see this bastard die, even if it is in a quiet and relatively painless manner.

And now they're going to have to wait some more. Wonder if they'll stay up all night at at San Quentin? I wouldn't leave just because some jackass lawyer bought Morales a few more minutes (or hours, as the case may be).

What's most obscene is the reasons for delay. Anesthesia? ANESTHESIA?! You've got to be kidding me! Put a bullet between his eyes already, he won't need any anesthesia for that!

[Dustbunny]

This is absolutely ridicules. Just read on Drudge they postponed the execution. If he is so afraid of pain a good stiff shot of pain killer would end it all painlessly.

[doug from upland]

It has been more painful for the watchers than the executee.

[doug from upland]

I was in bed. I'm glad I didn't stay up.

[doug from upland]

Perhaps it will be in prime time tonight so we can have a good live dead thread.

[doug from upland]

Actually, this could be good mental torture for Morales.

[doug from upland]

We need to have a DEATH PENALTY CHALLENGE with Texas, complete with online betting.

[BurbankKarl]

He must feel it is like that movie Groundhog Day

[onyx]

I remain absolutely LIVID about this.

The Governor might be able to order a state paid anesthesiologist to SQ for the execution.

Remember everybody, this was all put into motion by a Clinton appointed judge, so whenever I see posters on FR saying they'll vote for Hitlery over McCain or Rudy, I just want to slap them.

[doug from upland]

* * * * * SEE YOU ALL AT 7:30 PM PACIFIC * * * * *


By Laurie Isola, Bay City News Service

February 21, 2006
San Quentin State Prison Warden Steven Ornoski will move forward with the execution of Michael Morales at 7:30 p.m. today, according to prison spokesman Vernell Crittendon.

Morales' execution has already experienced delays. The most recent delay came when two anesthesiologists appointed to be present during the execution voiced ethical concerns, Crittendon announced.

Crittendon read from a statement, minutes before the announcement that the execution would be moved to 7:30 p.m., from the two anesthesiologists:

"The February 20 delivery of an opinion by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals raised serious questions about a possible responsibility to personally intervene in the execution of Mr. Morales, if any evidence of either pain or a return to consciousness arose. Any such intervention would clearly be medically unethical. As a result, we have withdrawn from participation in this current process. The District Court Order that followed the publication of the 9th Circuit Opinion does not sufficiently allay our concerns.

"While we contemplated a positive role that might enable us to verify a humane execution protocol for Mr. Morales, what is being asked of us now is ethically unacceptable."

Crittendon could not confirm what was said in the district court order.

He said the 7:30 p.m. execution will not include anesthesiologists, but will use a second option made available to the prison by the court. The option to be used will be a five gram injection of sodium pentothal.

[doug from upland]

Will someone please embed a countdown clock on this thread?

[Westlander]

Will a .357 do ?

[Westlander]

'will use a second option made available to the prison'

Most Freepers always have that option very nearby.

[jpl]

All I have to say to Morales is adios, muchacho.

[doug from upland]

PLANNING FOR 7:30 PM TONIGHT WITH ONE SHOT

[Westlander]

I got the beer and popcorn ready.

[FrogMom]

Aye. Hour and a half from now.

Hope he's made his peace, he'll stand befor his creator in a short while. I wouldn't like to be in his shoes.

[doug from upland]

ABC radio news is saying it might not happen. State cannot comply with court order for medical professional to be involved. If they can't do him tonight, it looks like the original judge who signed the death warrant now favors clemency. THE SCUMBAG MAY LIVE! UNBELIEVABLE!

[muir_redwoods]

They have to juice him on the 21st or his death warrant expires. The last I heard they were going to juice him with an overdose of a sedative at about 7:30 pacific time tonight. No anesthesiologist needed because all he's getting is the painkiller. lots of it.

[Zeon Cowboy]

Unfortunately I'll be in school at 7:30 tonight. I sure hope it happens anyway, though!

Hope he's made his peace, he'll stand befor his creator in a short while.

God may exist outside of space and time, but I can't imagine it'll take Him very long to judge this bastard...