Florida: Judge to rule whether lethal drug is 'cruel' for serial killer Bobby Joe Long

A Hillsborough County judge is expected to rule Monday whether the execution of Bobby Joe Long through lethal injection would be a cruel and unusual punishment.

During a hearing Friday, a doctor from California testified about the anesthetic drug etomidate, which is one of the first drugs administered during the execution.

Dr. Steven Yun said Long should have any an adverse reaction to the drug, based on the serial killer’s medical history.

However, Long’s attorney said his client had traumatic brain injury when he was younger and suffers from epilepsy.

He argued that his condition, coupled with the cocktail of lethal drugs, could, could cause him to have a seizure during the execution.

During the hearing, Long's attorney challenged the doctor's expertise, pointing out he didn’t even read up on the drug before his testimony.

"As a critical practicing anesthesiologist, I don't need to read basic textbooks to review my knowledge on etomidate, the same way I don't need to review my car manual to drive my car," explained Dr. Yun.

Long is responsible for the murder of at least 8 victims and kidnapping and torture of at least one other.

He was convicted and sent to Florida’s death row in 1986.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant, and his execution date was scheduled for May 23.

Lisa McVey, a survivor who escaped Long's clutches and because a Hillsborough County deputy, said she plans to attend the execution.

Source: Fox News, Staff, May 6, 2019

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
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