Anthony 'Darrell' Hines

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.

Tennessee physicians and nurses are calling for a death penalty moratorium after a failed execution in May, citing ethical concerns over medical professionals' roles in lethal injections. They argue the state's current protocol, which requires doctors to place central lines during executions, violates medical ethics as outlined by the American Medical Association.

Anthony Darrell Hines, a Tennessee death row inmate, is scheduled for execution on August 13 for the 1985 murder of motel maid Catherine Jenkins. A legal battle arises over whether Dr. Mark Fowler, involved in a failed May execution of Tony Carruthers, will participate in Hines' execution. Melissa Jenkins, Catherine's daughter, advocates for her mother's memory and closure, opposing further delays despite concerns over Tennessee's lethal injection process.

A group of pastors and priests in Tennessee opposes Governor Bill Lee's decision to continue scheduled executions following a botched attempt on Tony Carruthers in May. The state plans to execute three more inmates this year, prompting calls for an investigation into the Tennessee Department of Correction's execution procedures.