Nebraska has now carried out its first execution since 1997 by putting Carey Dean Moore to death by lethal injection Tuesday morning.
Officials said at around 9:15 Moore was read an execution order and allowed to make a final statement. When asked if he had any final words, Moore stated simply, "Just the statement that I hand-delivered to you already about my brother Donnie and the innocent men on Nebraska's death row. That's all that I have to say." That written statement can be found below.
At 10:00, the Nebraska Attorney General’s office checked for any last minute issues that would’ve prevented the execution, of which there were none. Moore was then escorted into the execution room, strapped to the lethal injection table. IV lines were placed into his veins and a heart monitor was attached.
Ten witnesses were then escorted into the viewing room and the following is the timeline of how the execution played out:
10:24 AM- The drugs used for the execution begin being administered. Valium first, then Fentanyl citrate, a pain killer, was administered next. Cisatracurium besylate was administered to induce paralysis and halt Moore’s breathing and finally Potassium chloride was given to Moore to stop his heart.
10:25- Moore can be seen mouthing "I love you" repeatedly to witnesses in attendance on his behalf.
10:26- Moore turns his head towards the ceiling, is seen mouthing more words, then closes his eyes.
10:27- Moore can be seen breathing heavily.
10:29- Acting warden performs eyelid test to check consciousness.
10:30- Moore appears to cough and his diaphragm can be seen making rapid movements.
10:31- Witnesses notice Moore's chest has stopped moving and his body goes still. His face changes color from red to purple
10:38- Moore's eyelid slightly open
10:39- Prison Director Scott Frakes is seen speaking into his radio and the viewing gallery curtain is then lowered.
10:53- The curtain is reopened for witnesses to observe Moore's body, which has been completely covered by a white sheet, except for his face.
10:54- Curtain is lowered again and witnesses are escorted out.
The Lancaster County coroner called the time of death at 10:47 AM, with state officials announcing that the execution had been fully carried out at 10:57 AM.
Moore had been on death row for 38 years, making him the longest serving death row inmate in the United States. This execution was the first this specific four drug combination of Valium, fentanyl citrate, cisatracurium besylate and potassium chloride had been used for execution in the US.
The following is a statement from Director Frakes after the execution:
“The execution of Carey Dean Moore, scheduled for 10 a.m. today, was carried out pursuant to the order issued by the Nebraska Supreme Court on July 12, 2018. The first of four substances was administered at 10:24 a.m. The Lancaster County coroner pronounced Moore’s time of death at 10:47 a.m.
“As the director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), I am required to carry out the order of the court. This agency has done so with professionalism, respect for the process and with dignity for all involved. I recognize that today’s execution impacts many people on many levels, most certainly the families of Mr. Van Ness and Mr. Helgeland.
“In accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. 83-970, Moore designated three people and one member of the clergy as witnesses to the execution. One family member was present, representing one of the victims. The six witness slots designated by the director were filled by four members of the Nebraska news media and two NDCS staff members.
“Moore’s body will be remanded to the custody of the Nebraska State Patrol. An autopsy will be conducted.”