Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens on Tuesday said the state will begin using only one lethal injection drug — the sedative pentobarbital — instead of three.
In doing so, Owens rescheduled Wednesday's planned execution of Warren Hill until Monday at 7 p.m.
"The department has been using pentobarbital in its execution process and based upon the experience of other states and compentent medical testimony the drug has proven to be effective," said a statement released by the Department of Corrections. "The department is committed to carrying out the order of the court in the most responsible and professional manner possible."
Hill sits on death row for killing a fellow inmate at a southwest Georgia prison. His lawyers are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the execution, saying it would be unconstitutional because Hill is mentally disabled.
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday rejected Hill's request for clemency.
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