The former head of Tennessee's prison system, who stepped down following a failed execution in that state, had earlier presided over botched executions in Arizona, according to reporting by NPR. A review of Arizona's execution protocols at the time documented serious issues, the outlet reported on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The account, published by NPR, links the official's tenure in Arizona to subsequent problems in Tennessee, where a lethal injection was carried out improperly. The review of Arizona's procedures spelled out significant concerns, NPR reported.
NPR also stated that it does not provide or take payment in exchange for coverage or interviews. The outlet cautioned that any individual who seeks or proposes such an arrangement is neither employed by NPR nor authorized to speak on its behalf.
