RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A bill that would force inmates to die by electric chair if lethal injection drugs can’t be found is gaining steam in Virginia.
That’s because the state has run out of the drugs and there is a looming execution scheduled March 16 for convicted killer Ricky Gray. The state is currently searching for lethal injection drugs.
Even if the bill passes, it wouldn’t go into effect in time for the scheduled execution. Supporters of the electric chair bill say the state must ensure an option is in place for future inmates or in the event that Gray’s execution is delayed.
At least eight states, including Virginia, allow the electric chair, but Tennessee is the only one that forces inmates to be electrocuted if the drugs can’t be found.
