Tennessee Department of Corrections

Around 40 medical professionals in Tennessee called for a pause on executions until the process is improved, citing ethical concerns related to the Hippocratic Oath. The group highlighted Tennessee's botched execution of Tony Carruthers in May 2026 as a key reason, where a doctor could not locate a vein for lethal injection.

Doctors and nurses in Tennessee have called for a pause on death row executions until the state demonstrates improvements following a botched attempt that left Tony Carruthers partially paralyzed. The letter to Governor Bill Lee cites concerns over the lack of proper medical training and adherence to protocols during the May 21 execution attempt, referencing court records showing the involved doctor had not performed a central line placement in over a decade.

Dozens of doctors and nurses in Tennessee have urged Governor Bill Lee to pause executions following the botched attempt to execute Tony Carruthers, which left him partially paralyzed. They demand improvements in execution protocols until proven, citing concerns over the competency of the doctor involved, Mark Fowler, who had not placed a central line in over a decade. Darrell Hines, the next death row inmate scheduled for execution on August 13, faces similar risks if the same doctor is used.

A Davidson County Chancery Court judge ordered the Tennessee Department of Corrections to take custody of 149 state inmates from Davidson County jails within 10 days. Metro Nashville cited overcrowding, safety concerns, and financial costs, noting the city has spent over $5 million due to delayed transfers. The court ruled TDOC has a legal duty to accept inmates after sentencing paperwork and a 14-day period.

Jury selection began for Austin Drummond and Andre Brown's attempted murder trial in Carroll County, Tennessee, related to a 2024 prison incident. Drummond faces charges of attempted murder and contraband introduction, while Brown is charged with attempted murder for his role in the assault. The trial does not include Drummond's separate quadruple homicide charges in Lake County.

Attorneys for Tennessee death row inmate Darrell Hines have requested a conditional stay on his August 13 execution unless Dr. Mark Fowler, involved in a botched execution of Tony Carruthers earlier this year, is replaced. The Tennessee Department of Corrections has not confirmed whether Fowler will participate in Hines' execution, and Carruthers' family claims the prior botched procedure left him partially paralyzed.

A Tennessee judge ordered the state to disclose to death row inmate Darrell Hines whether Dr. Mark Fowler, who was involved in Tony Carruthers’ botched execution in May, will be used for Hines’ scheduled August 13 execution. Carruthers’ sister claims the failed attempt left him partially paralyzed, and Hines argues using the same doctor could lead to similar issues.

Davidson County and Nashville filed a lawsuit against Tennessee, alleging the state failed to transfer 151 inmates from the county jail to state prison as required by law. The suit claims these inmates, sentenced to seven years or longer, have exceeded their 14-day sentencing document deadline by an average of 153 days, and the county seeks a court order to compel the state to take custody.

Tony Carruthers suffered a brain stroke and partial paralysis following a botched execution attempt, according to a complaint filed by his sister, Dr. Tonya Hervey. The complaint accuses Dr. Fowler of the Tennessee Department of Corrections of malpractice and torture, citing multiple violations of medical ethics during the procedure.

A Tennessee inmate and 10 others were indicted for their alleged roles in a methamphetamine trafficking operation. The operation, allegedly directed by the inmate from prison using smuggled phones, involved distributing large amounts of methamphetamine across the Midstate between 2023 and August 2025.

Tennessee will maintain its execution protocol despite a botched attempt in May where medical staff failed to find a vein during an inmate's execution. Gov. Bill Lee stated procedures were followed, granted a one-year reprieve to Tony Carruthers, and Republican lawmakers called for a pause on executions for an independent review.

A 43-year-old Nashville man was arrested during a traffic stop in Mt. Juliet after police discovered he had active warrants for illegal narcotics sales and parole violations. Officers found heroin on him during the stop, leading to his arrest and anticipated additional charges.

Tennessee Republicans have asked Governor Bill Lee to halt executions for a review of the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) after multiple failures, including a botched execution attempt. The lawmakers support the death penalty but emphasize the need for corrections to TDOC's procedures before resuming executions.

Tennessee halted the execution of Tony Carruthers after medical personnel failed to establish required IV lines for lethal injection, despite efforts lasting over an hour. The case highlights ongoing challenges states face with execution procedures, with similar incidents occurring recently in Idaho and Alabama. Carruthers was convicted in 1994 of three murders primarily based on witness testimony, with questions raised about his mental competency and trial representation.