Why did court ban use of watch at James Barber's execution? Alabama man given lethal injection for killing Dorothy Epps
ALABAMA, UNITED STATES: James Barber, a man convicted of beating a woman to death in 2001, has been executed in Alabama. The state had previously halted lethal injections to review execution procedures but resumed the practice. Barber, aged 64, received a lethal injection at a prison in south Alabama and was pronounced dead at 1:56 am local time. The execution marks the completion of the legal process in response to the heinous crime committed over two decades ago.
In the witness room during James Barber's execution, a federal court ruling issued by US District Judge Emily Marks prohibited attorney Mara Klebaner from bringing a plain wristwatch (non-smartwatch) while attending the execution. However, Mara was allowed to bring a notepad and a click-top pen.
The prohibition of the wristwatch seems to be connected to concerns raised by Barber's attorneys about the potential extended duration needed to establish the IV lines effectively for the execution process. As a result, the court made this decision to ensure a specific protocol during the execution.
It’s not the first time
The state of Alabama has faced challenges in its last three execution attempts, with only one of them being successful. In the other two cases, the state had to halt the lethal injections due to difficulties in inserting IVs into the condemned individuals' veins. Additionally, advocacy groups asserted that a third execution, which was carried out after a delay caused by IV problems, was botched, a claim disputed by the state.
James Barber, a handyman, was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing of 75-year-old Dorothy Epps in 2001. Prosecutors presented evidence that Barber confessed to the murder, stating that he used a claw hammer and stole Epps' purse before fleeing the scene. The jury recommended a death sentence with an 11-1 vote, which the judge imposed.
Barber’s last 24 hours
Barber's defense lawyers made unsuccessful attempts to block the execution by pointing out a pattern of failures by the state in carrying out lethal injections in a constitutional manner. Nevertheless, the state pursued the execution to proceed despite the legal challenges. In the 24 hours leading up to his scheduled execution, Barber expressed his love to his family members and offered an apology to the family of Dorothy Epps, the victim of his crime.
On the day of his execution, Barber declined breakfast and instead opted for snacks. For his final meal, he requested loaded hash browns, a western omelet, spicy sausage, and white toast. Throughout his final two days, Barber had numerous visitors and phone calls, with 10 visitors and six phone calls on July 19 and 22 visitors and two phone calls on July 20.