Ohio Con Wins Week Break After Botched Execution

An Ohio death row inmate was given a week-long reprieve by the governor yesterday after the execution team couldn't find a usable vein in over 2 hours of trying at his planned execution, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Romell Broom, convicted of raping and killing a teen girl in 1984, attempted to help the team by shifting positions, rubbing his arm, and pointing out possible veins before becoming visibly distressed.

Broom told the execution team to continue after being asked if he wanted a break. A prison official eventually contacted the governor to ask for a reprieve after the crew told him they didn't believe the 54-year-old's veins would hold the necessary saline solution. Officials aim to resolve the problem before Broom's next execution date, although experts believe the botched execution will lead to legal challenges that will delay his execution for much longer. (More Romell Broom stories.)