This Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Tennessee executed by lethal injection 69-year-old Byron Black, who had an active implanted cardiac defibrillator. His case marks a precedent: it is the first execution in the U.S. of a prisoner with this type of active device in his heart.
Black was convicted of the 1988 murder of his girlfriend, Angela Clay, 29, and her two daughters (ages 9 and 6).
Dispute over implanted defibrillator
Initially, a trial judge ordered that the defibrillator be deactivated just before the execution, to avoid possible shocks that would prolong his agony.
Byron Black’s lawyers argued that the device could be activated during the injection of pentobarbital.
In addition to causing him extreme pain, describing each shock as “a kick in the chest from a horse” .
Mandatory deactivation revoked
The Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the prior injunction.
They stated that the trial judge had no authority to impose conditions that would delay or modify the scheduled execution for Byron Black.
He also indicated that, if the parties could reach a voluntary agreement to deactivate the device without delaying the procedure, it would be acceptable.
The hospital scheduled to perform the deactivation (Nashville General) ultimately stated it had not agreed to participate, further complicating compliance with the original order.
Health status and rejected appeals
Byron Black suffered from advanced dementia, heart failure, end-stage renal failure, brain damage and an intellectual disability recognized by experts.
However, his requests for clemency and new hearings for this disability were rejected by Governor Bill Lee and state and federal courts.
His case sets a precedent
QuéOnnda.com
This year, the U.S. reached 28 executions, surpassing those carried out in 2024, with Florida and Tennessee being the main states involved.
This case has renewed the debate on medical ethics in executions, the responsibility of hospitals and healthcare personnel.
In addition to the right of those with intellectual disabilities to receive legal protection under U.S. Supreme Court precedents, such as Atkins v. Virginia
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.