x
Breaking News
More () »

How Was Fentanyl Used In a Legal Execution?

Nebraska's first execution in more than 20 years came with a controversial ingredient.

Nebraska has executed its first prisoner since 1997 and used fentanyl to do so.

Carey Dean Moore was convicted of killing two cab drivers in 1979 and subsequently sentenced to death. His death comes three years after Nebraska abolished the death penalty. It was brought back after it was put on a state-wide ballot recently.

German drug company, Fresenius Kabi sued the state claiming that Nebraska had illegally procured at least one of their drugs. A federal judge sided with the state arguing that it was in the public's best interest to carry out the execution.

In his final statement, Moore admitted his guilt and apologized to family members.

Moore was given a dose of Valium and fentanyl to render him unconscious, then cisatracurium besylate to paralyze him and stop him from breathing. His final injected was potassium chloride to stop his heart.

Witnesses say there were no apparent complications. They say Moore turned his head and mouthed the words "I love you" to his family. He was pronounced dead at 10:47 a.m. Moore was 60 years old.

Before You Leave, Check This Out