BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Correction announced a second step in the process of execution in between standard IV lethal injection and a firing squad.
This comes after accused serial killer Thomas Creech's failed attempt at lethal injection in February.
Former Idaho Attorney General David Leroy said this new method was put in place to create a way that allows doctors to be involved in the process and avoids potential cruel and unusual punishment as protected by the Eighth Amendment.
Doctors are now able to access deep veins for those faced with the death penalty in Idaho. That includes the neck, chest and arm.
In 2023, Governor Brad Little signed into law the ability to use a firing squad as a method of execution, but only if the drugs needed for injection were not available.
Leroy said this new method is a way of having a doctor be involved in the process if the standard IV lines fail.
With the new policy, Idaho has changed the execution chamber so doctors can administer the injections. It's a new method for all those going forward facing the death penalty in Idaho.
"[It's meant] to simply be a more humane, more certain and more medically common type of approach to this very uncommon procedure," Leroy said.
It's something on the minds of many waiting on a ruling after the scheduled trial of Bryan Kohberger, if he is found guilty.
"The prosecutor in Latah County has indicated that if a guilty conviction is had, they will go ahead and present to the jury [of] the death penalty," Leroy said.
This intent to pursue the death penalty now has an extra step.
"I would expect the Department of Correction to use whatever appropriate medical judgment," Leroy said.