As Missouri approaches the scheduled May 21st execution of Russell Bucklew, the state continues to conceal its intended drug supplier and will not provide information on whether the drugs have been tested for purity in advance of the execution. The botched execution of Clayton Lockett in Oklahoma last month underscores the need for transparency. Similar to Missouri, Oklahoma officials have shrouded their lethal injection process in secrecy. While the rest of the nation is moving away from the death penalty because concerns about innocence, cost, and cruelty, Missouri is on pace for a record number of executions this year.
Please pray for Russell Bucklew and also for the victim’s family members and friends. Mr. Bucklew was convicted for the 1999 murder of Michael Sanders. Bucklew has a vascular condition which medical experts warn greatly increases the risk of a painful botched execution in this instance. The state’s refusal to address his condition and the risks it brings is indicative of the state’s single-minded pursuit of executions. Call the Governor at 573-751-3222 to halt executions in Missouri. Join us in vigils as we lament the death of Michael Sanders and remember victims of violence and urge the state to not commit another act of violence in our names. The vigil in Kansas City is on Tuesday, May 20th at Nichols Fountain on the Plaza from 5-6pm. There is also one in St.Joseph the same day at 4:30pm at the intersection of Belt and Frederick.
Daryl Charron, C.PP.S.