By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Judge sets hearing on Okla. inmate's execution
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A federal judge has set an October hearing on whether an inmate's execution should go on as scheduled or be delayed because of a shortage of an anesthetic used in the process.
Donald Ray Wackerly II is set to die Oct. 14, but another inmate is scheduled for execution two days later.
The Oklahoman reports that only one dose of sodium thiopental, the first drug administered in the execution protocol, is available.
State attorneys said Thursday the sedative will be used for Wackerly, but District Judge Stephen Friot scheduled an Oct. 8 hearing on whether the execution should go on.
Prison officials wanted to use the dose for Jeffrey Matthews, whose execution was postponed because of the shortage.
A hearing in that case is set for Oct. 15.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com