Tennessee Execution Sparks Controversy Over Inmate’s Implanted Heart Device

Byron Black was executed by the state of Tennessee on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, amidst significant controversy regarding his implanted heart defibrillator and subsequent claims of pain. Witnesses reported Black experiencing discomfort shortly after the lethal injection began, a detail his attorneys quickly highlighted as evidence of a problematic execution.

Black, 69, died at 10:43 a.m. CT, approximately 10 minutes after the procedure commenced. Media witnesses observed Black sighing, breathing heavily, and appearing to be in discomfort, with one attorney describing the execution as “shameful.” This comes after a legal battle where a trial court initially ordered the deactivation of Black’s implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to prevent potential shocks and undue suffering. However, the state Supreme Court overturned this decision, arguing the lower court lacked the authority.

Black’s defense team, led by attorney Kelley Henry, expressed deep concern over his reported pain and head movement, stating that the pentobarbital used should have rendered him rapidly unconscious. They plan to meticulously review autopsy results, EKG data, and information from the defibrillator to understand the events. The state had previously contended that the lethal injection would not cause the defibrillator to shock Black, or that he wouldn’t feel it if it did.

Black was convicted in the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend Angela Clay and her two young daughters. His execution marks Tennessee’s second since May, following a five-year pause. The case also reignites discussions on medical ethics, as many professionals consider participation in executions a violation of healthcare principles. Questions also remain regarding Black’s long-standing claims of intellectual disability, which his legal team unsuccessfully pursued in court.

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