There was a recent lull in executions in this country. For 49 days beginning on April 29 there was not a single execution nationwide. Then on June 17 and June 18 there were executions in Florida, Georgia and Missouri. The last execution prior to June 17 was in Oklahoma, and it did not go well.

Clayton Lockett died after his April 29 execution was halted when prison officials noticed he was writhing on the gurney, gritting his teeth and attempting to lift his head.