Governor Jeff Landry says the state is ready to execute death row inmates again. Landry says the Department of Corrections has finalized an updated execution protocol, including procedures for nitrogen hypoxia, which the state legislature approved last year. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says capital punishment has always been a controversial issue.
“There’s a lot of factors that come into the decision. There’s a lot of factors that come into how a person approaches the death sentence whether they’re for or against it.”
2010 was the last time the state carried out an execution. The inability to get the drugs to carry out the execution is a major reason why the state has not had an execution in over a decade. Former Governor John Bel Edwards also opposed the death penalty. Pinsonat says one of Landry’s campaign promises was to resume executions
Based on reports last year, 58 people are on death row.
Landry says their death sentences have been affirmed by the courts and he’s calling for local district attorneys to finalize their cases so the state can move forward with carrying out their penalties.
Pinsonat says it’s part of Landry’s tough on crime approach.
“First thing he did (after he was sworn-in last year) was change our criminal laws to put people in jail for longer times, the other aspect of it is. he said he would start executing people again,” Pinsonat said.
Governor Jeff Landry’s statement:
“For too long, Louisiana has failed to uphold the promises made to victims of our State’s most violent crimes; but that failure of leadership by previous administrations is over,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The time for broken promises has ended; we will carry out these sentences and justice will be dispensed.”
“These capital punishment cases have been reviewed at every judicial level, have had decades of unsuccessful appeals, and the death sentences affirmed by the courts,” continued Governor Landry. “I expect our DA’s to finalize these cases and the courts to move swiftly to bring justice to the crime victims who have waited for too long.”
“I anticipate the national press will embellish on the feelings and interests of the violent death row murderers, we will continue to advocate for the innocent victims and the loved ones left behind,” concluded Governor Landry.
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