DC Sniper's execution: 'no complications,' no words from John Allen Muhammad

November 11, 3:23 AMTrue Crime ExaminerIvy Bigbee

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Beltway Sniper, John Allen Muhammad was executed on 11/10/09 at Greensville Correctional Center, in Jarrett, VA.  (VA Dept. of Corrections Photo)

Pronounced dead at 9:11 PM on November 10, 2009, John Allen Muhammad received a lethal injection: a procedure that went forward with "no complications," says Larry Traylor.

In few words, the communications director for Virginia Department of Corrections added, "Mr. Muhammad made no last statement."

Eye-witnessing death

Besides prison employees, three categories of people--state, media and private citizens--witnessed Muhammad's execution: an official list of 6 witnesses representing the State of Virginia--including 2 alternates--4 media witnesses, and an indeterminate number of private citizens, consisting of victims' relatives and possibly, Muhammad's family members, the latter which are unconfirmed.

Execution witnesses for the state included a law officer from Chesterfield County Police, a veterinarian, a VA state trooper, a control room operator for VDOT, and 2 federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security.

Death on the line

Muhammad 's method of execution--being given the option to die by electrocution or lethal injection--was lethal injection by default, because he declined to state a preference.  

Currently the most frequently-used method of execution, according to US Pharmacist.com, death by lethal injection can begin with a therapeutic dose of diazepam (Valium), if requested, to help relieve anxiety and related nervousness or tension. 

Following the inmate's arrival in the death chamber, certified phlebotomists and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are given up to 1 hour to establish an intravenous line or lines into the inmate's arm, hand, leg or foot. 

Once the intravenous line(s) is/are established, the hypnotic, sodium thiopental--a rapidly-acting barbiturate and general anesthetic--is added to the line. The line is then flushed (cleared) with 25 cc saline solution, to prevent adverse chemical reaction from the first and next drug injected. After the line is cleared, 50 mg pancuronium bromide--a drug related to curare-- paralyzes muscles and stops respiration. Again, the IV line is flushed with 25 cc saline, followed by the final injection: 240 mg. potassium chloride, which disrupts the heartbeat. 

An electrocardiogram confirms that the heart is no longer beating, at which time, a physician and coroner verify the fact and cause of death.