TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jul 22, 2026

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) declined to respond to a lawmaker's request for details about the failed execution of death row inmate Tony Carruthers. According to WJHL, Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, requested information from the department about what changes, if any, had been made to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future. Barrett gave TDOC until Monday to respond. In the request, he asked whether the department had implemented new training, revised procedures, strengthened oversight or adopted additional safeguards before the scheduled Aug. 13 execution of Darrell Hines. TDOC responded in a letter Tuesday, saying it would not comment because the issues are the subject of ongoing litigation. The department also said it remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations and complying with state law.