Death row inmate suffered “excruciating”

A Painful Death

In July 2020, Wesley Purkey was executed by lethal injection using pentobarbital. While the procedure appeared peaceful, his autopsy revealed a disturbing truth. He suffered from “severe bilateral acute pulmonary oedema,” meaning his lungs filled with fluid, causing sensations of drowning.

“It is a virtual medical certainty that most, if not all, prisoners will experience excruciating suffering, including sensations of drowning and suffocation from [the lethal injection drug] pentobarbital,” said Dr. Gail Van Norman.

Final Words of Regret

Before his death, Purkey apologized for his crimes. “I deeply regret the pain and suffering I caused to Jennifer’s family. I am deeply sorry. I deeply regret the pain I caused to my daughter, who I love so very much,” he said. He also questioned the justice of his execution: “This sanitized murder really does not serve no purpose whatsoever.”

Mental Health Concerns

Purkey’s lawyers argued he was mentally unfit for execution. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he showed signs of confusion. The night before his death, he reportedly believed former President Bill Clinton was running for office again, saying he would vote for him.

A Missed Slice of Pie

Purkey asked for pecan pie as part of his last meal but said he’d eat it “later.” Tragically, he didn’t understand there would be no “later.” That small mistake became a symbol of the impersonal nature of capital punishment.