Final moments of death row inmate executed with same drug that Christa Pike survived

Jamaal Howard was executed via lethal injection yesterday

It took just 30 seconds for a US inmate to stop moving after being given the lethal injection, using the same drug given to Christa Pike last month.

Last night, the US state of Texas executed Jamaal Howard, a 46-year-old man who'd been given the death sentence for fatally shooting convenience store clerk Vickie Swartout in 2000.

According to a report from AP News, Howard was given a dose of pentobarbital, the medication given to Christa Pike twice during her botched execution on 30 September.

Reports from those in attendance at the Huntsville prison stated that Howard had taken a couple of breaths and gasped as the high dose of the sedative drug began taking effect.

He then began to make snoring sounds, which became quieter and quieter as time passed.

It took just 30 seconds for Howard to stop moving. He was officially pronounced dead 19 minutes later at 8:03pm, local time.

His final statement has since been released to the media, with Howard apologising to the family of Swartout.

Howard was the first person to be put to death after Pike's failed execution, which has since led to the state of Tennessee halting further executions, pending an investigation.

According to The Tennesseean reporters who attended Pike's attempted execution, the 50-year-old had complained of pain in her arm following the first dose of pentobarbital, telling officers: "The vein in my arm feels like it's about to bust."

It was later revealed that it had taken over an hour and seven needles before prison officers could establish an IV line in her arm, while witnesses waiting behind the curtain could hear crying and whimpering.

Pike's attorney Randy Spivy would later claim that one of the needles appeared to be bent after being removed.

The blinds were first opened at around 7:26pm, allowing reporters and witnesses a view of Pike strapped to a gurney and covered by a sheet.

By 7:41pm, it was signalled to witnesses that a round of pentobarbital had been administered. However, those in attendance noted that Pike was still conscious, with one reporter remarking that she was still talking.

When it became apparent that Pike had survived the first dose of pentobarbital, a second one was administered. The curtains were closed again at 8:05pm, with people still able to hear the sound of Pike's breathing, signalling that the drugs had again failed to take effect.

After nearly an hour of waiting, the chamber was cleared by officials and Pike was transferred to hospital.

It is not currently clear exactly how Pike was able to survive the execution, with some medical experts suggesting the IV line may have been incorrectly placed.

Pike remains in hospital after the failed execution, with recent reports revealing that she is conscious, able to communicate and move.

After previously working as a freelancer for Digital Spy, Brenna joined LADbible in 2024 and has since carved out a niche covering film and TV. She has previously interviewed stars from shows such as Monster, MobLand and the 28 Days Later franchise. Outside of what's on her screen, Brenna is also interested in writing about music and bizarre pop culture.

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