Idaho Delays Execution of Convicted Serial Killer Thomas Creech After Lethal Injection Failure

Idaho has delayed the execution of convicted serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech after a failed attempt at lethal injection. Creech, who has been on death row for nearly half a century, was sentenced to die for the killing of a fellow prisoner with a battery-filled sock in 1981. The Idaho Department of Correction spokesperson, Sanda Kuzeta-Cerimagic, stated that "the medical team could not establish an IV line, rendering the execution unable to proceed." The Associated Press reported that three medical team members tried seven or eight times to establish an IV in both of Creech's arms and legs.

U.S. Supreme Court Denies Requests

Despite three requests from Creech for a stay of execution, the U.S. Supreme Court denied his appeals. Creech, 73, has been convicted of five murders in three states and is suspected of at least half a dozen other killings. His execution, if carried out, would mark Idaho's first in more than a decade.

Challenges and Legal Proceedings

Creech's attorneys filed requests to block his execution while also challenging the state's handling of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital. They argued that the state failed to provide sufficient information about the source of the drug, suggesting it may have come from unreliable sources. Meanwhile, the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole opposed Creech's efforts at the Supreme Court, and the relatives of one of his victims opposed his bid for clemency.

Impact and Controversy Surrounding Creech

Despite being convicted of horrific crimes, Creech had been regarded as a well-behaved and polite inmate who established long-term relationships with prison staffers at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Corrections director Josh Tewalt acknowledged the impact of Creech's absence, stating, "On Thursday, Tom's not going to be there. You know he's not coming back to that unit — that's real. It would be really difficult to not feel some sort of emotion about that."

Assessment of Creech's Personality

During Creech's clemency hearing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jill Longhurst acknowledged that Creech could be friendly, but described him as a psychopath lacking remorse and empathy for others.According to the Death Penalty Information Center, if executed, Creech would be only the fourth person put to death in Idaho since 1976.