Indiana

What is pentobarbital? More questions than answers surround Indiana's new execution drug. • Indiana Capital Chronicle

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2024

What is pentobarbital? More questions than answers surround Indiana's new execution drug. • Indiana Capital Chronicle

After state officials announced last week that Indiana will resume executions for the first time in over a decade, secrecy largely shrouds the new drug, pentobarbital, acquired for the impending lethal injections.

The one-drug method is a departure from the state’s protocol used since 1995, involving a series of three chemicals.

Although no state-level executions in Indiana have used pentobarbital before, 13 federal executions carried out at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute have been carried out with the drug. Fourteen states have used pentobarbital in executions, too.

But state and federal officials alike have remained closed-lipped about where pentobarbital is sourced from and how much it costs. Also still unknown is the amount Indiana has acquired and when the current doses expire.

Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC), a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. that tracks state and federal executions, said it’s also critical for the public to know who will be administering the drug — and how — as well as what training those individuals will receive.

“These are the hard questions that have to be asked,” Maher told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “This is an official government function, and in a democracy, we value honesty and transparency in our government officials and the acts they do on our behalf. This is absolutely one of those official acts, and voters in Indiana deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.”

What is pentobarbital?

The Hoosier state has carried out 20 executions since 1981. The first three — in 1981, 1985 and 1994 — were by electrocution. The rest have been by lethal injection — which is now the only method permitted by state law.

The Indiana Code doesn’t specify what drugs are to be used for executions, saying only that the drugs must be injected intravenously in a quantity and for an amount of time sufficient to kill the inmate.

Previously, when a prisoner was executed by lethal injection in Indiana, they were strapped to a gurney, and an IV line was inserted to inject a lethal combination of three substances: a barbiturate to render the person unconscious; pancuronium bromide to paralyze voluntary and reflex muscles; and potassium chloride to stop the heart.

But after Indiana’s last execution in 2009, the state was effectively forced to pause. Increased scrutiny of lethal injection drugs led pharmaceutical companies to refuse to sell their products for use in executions. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said that made acquiring the necessary drugs “harder to get.”

It wasn’t until last week that the governor, along with Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, announced that the state’s Department of Correction has obtained the pentobarbital to carry out the death penalty.

The state is so far seeking an execution date for Joseph Corcoran, a man convicted in the killings of four people in Fort Wayne in 1997. There are currently eight men on Indiana’s death row, including Corcoran. No one has been added to the state’s death row since 2014.

In the one-drug executions, a prisoner is injected with an overdose of pentobarbital. The new drug, which Maher described as a sedative, has commonly been used to euthanize pets.

Joseph Corcoran killed four people in 1997 and was sentenced to death. (Mugshot)

“It’s a barbiturate that explodes the activity of the brain and the nervous system and breathing,” she said. “When you’re given an overdose of that, it will ultimately suppress breath and kill you.”

Pentobarbital was first introduced in 2010, according to the DPIC.

So far, 14 states have used the drug in executions: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia. Five additional states — Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina and Tennessee — additionally plan to use pentobarbital. Colorado includes pentobarbital as a backup drug in its lethal-injection procedure.

The same drug was also used for the 13 federal executions during the last six months of Donald Trump’s presidency.

In 2019, former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr approved the use of pentobarbital in executions, though President Joe Biden’s Justice Department announced a moratorium on federal executions in 2021.

A first-time method in Indiana

Whether Indiana uses pentobarbital or other drugs for executions, Maher said there are still concerns about what could go wrong.

She noted that lethal injections have the highest rate of botched executions, which occur when there is a breakdown in — or departure from — the “protocol” for a particular method of execution.

The DPIC describes at least two botched executions that have occurred in Indiana.

In October 1985, it took 17 minutes to execute William Vandiver. Still breathing after the first application of 2,300 volts, four more bursts of electricity were fired into him before he was pronounced dead, according to media reports from that time. The Indiana Department of Corrections admitted the execution “did not go according to plan.”

Tommie Smith, who died by lethal Injection in July 1996, also had a prolonged execution, according to the DPIC. Because of unusually small veins, it took more than an hour after the execution team began sticking needles into his body for Smith to be pronounced dead. After multiple attempts, the lethal drugs were finally injected into Smith 49 minutes after the process began. It took another 20 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

Holcomb defends Indiana’s move to carry out execution, saying ‘justice will be served’

Maher said many of the documented botched executions in recent years have occurred because the drugs being used had expired, were contaminated, or they were administered “incorrectly.”

“There are a number of ways that the executions can go wrong, and it doesn’t only have to do with the kind of drug that is used,” she said, noting, for example, that if pentobarbital isn’t stored at a proper temperature, the drug can expire and should not be used.

When asked where DOC acquired the drug — pentobarbital, which can be used to carry out executions – and how much the state paid, Holcomb said he “can’t go into those details, by law.”

Lawmakers made information about the source of the drugs confidential on the last day of the 2017 legislative session.

Indiana Capital Chronicle has filed an official records request seeking the cost of the drugs.

“States have been hiding this information behind secrecy statutes in an effort to avoid answering difficult questions about their execution protocols. These are elected officials. They are using government funding, and they are saying they are conducting an official function,” Maher said. “And all of that means they should be honest and transparent about what they’re doing and why. The fact that they have shrouded everything in secrecy in an attempt to avoid answering these questions is not something that we should simply be accepting.”

Recent reporting by The Intercept and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver identified Connecticut-based Absolute Standards as the source of the pentobarbital used in 13 federal executions in 2020 and 2021. Reporting did not confirm if the company also supplied to specific states, including Indiana.

Absolute Standards produces materials for calibrating research equipment, but in 2018, it applied to the Drug Enforcement Administration to be registered as a bulk producer of pentobarbital. The company has since indicated this week that it will no longer produce the drug.

Maher further pointed to Idaho, which reportedly spent $100,000 earlier this year to purchase three doses of pentobarbital, the drug used in lethal injections. It’s not clear if that’s the same quantity purchased or price paid by Indiana, however.

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“What officials have said … is that they do not want to have people who are involved in the execution process — for manufacturers of a drug — to be harassed by advocates. But there are almost no real life examples of that happening unless we characterize criticism as harassment, which I don’t think we should in a democracy,” Maher said. “People who are critical of decisions the state is making, in terms of where they are finding their drugs and how they are choosing to administer them, that’s part of being a public official. Responding to those questions from your constituents — that’s part of being a public official. That comes with the territory, and there is no justifiable reason for them to avoid answering those questions.”

The Indiana Public Defender’s Office, which is providing Corcoran with legal counsel, did not reply to the Capital Chonicle’s requests for comment about pentobarbital or the impending execution.

Larry Komp, a federal defender for Corcoran, said the legal team is still seeking clarity on the state’s lethal injection protocol.

Groups are starting to come out against Indiana’s move, including the Libertarian Party of Indiana.

“A government whose primary function is to protect life should not be in the business of ending it, especially given the United States Constitution protects the accused from cruel and unusual punishment. There is no more cruel punishment than putting someone to death,” the party said in a statement. “The state, simply put, should not be killing its citizens. The Libertarian Party of Indiana calls upon Governor Holcomb and the State of Indiana to halt all planned executions and, furthermore, upon the General Assembly to ban the use of the death penalty in Indiana.”

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Indiana

Creole Chrome Looks for Graded Glory in Indiana Derby

Published

1 hour ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

Creole Chrome Looks for Graded Glory in Indiana Derby

After Three Diamonds Farm’s Creole Chrome got bounced around by some of the country’s best and fastest 3-year-olds, trainer Joe Sharp thought a confidence-builder was in order before heading to Saturday’s $300,000, Grade 3 Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Would an 18-length romp work? That was Creole Chrome’s winning margin against fellow Louisiana-breds in Evangeline Downs’ Louisiana Legends Cheval Stakes at a two-turn mile on June 6.

“Mission accomplished,” Sharp said by phone from Saratoga. “He came out of the race in really good order. We wanted to try taking the blinkers off and going back to a stretch-out. He was able to relax nicely going into the first turn, set off those two horses, and I think he made the lead just on class alone. But he just seemed real comfortable, within himself, and you know that gave him some confidence to try a little bit deeper water again.”

That comes in the 1 1/16-mile Indiana Derby, where Creole Chrome is among the leading contenders in what shapes up as a field of seven 3-year-olds. A chestnut son of Three Chimneys’ Grade 1-winning Kentucky stallion Volatile, Creole Chrome was foaled in Louisiana and began his career winning three of four starts against Louisiana-breds at the Fair Grounds.

That encouraged his team to take a shot at Keeneland’s Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass, where a win or second could have secured a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Creole Chrome finished fourth, with Further Ado rolling to an 11-length victory. Instead of the Derby, Creole Chrome ran the same day in the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile around one turn. He again was up close early before weakening to sixth.

“I think we asked him to be quick, to be close in a couple of spots,” Sharp reflected. “It was kind of a reset to go down to Louisiana and try something different, and it all worked out well.

“We were obviously expecting to win the race, but we were also trying to use it as a building block to set us up for this race here. What we were hoping to accomplish was to be able to sit, just be able to settle a little bit early. And that’s what we saw; that’s what we were happy with. Obviously, as the waters get deeper, you can’t be one-dimensional if you want to take on more upper levels of competition.”

Sharp said Creole Chrome was too much on the engine in the Blue Grass.

“That was the first time he’d gotten a little bit keen on us,” he said. “I kind of gave Tyler (Gaffalione) instructions that probably were bad. Because I was anticipating him to be able to kind of squeeze away from there, get a good position, and then the horse would relax for him. Once he squeezed on him, he didn’t relax and just never really shut off. Same thing back to the Pat Day Mile, Irad (Ortiz) had ridden him in the morning, had a lot of confidence in him. When he broke and asked him to get position, he wouldn’t get off the bridle and then was five-wide — just not the way you can win a big race. So yeah, I think we all just kind of learned something about the horse. That’s why the race in Louisiana was important, just to explore a new tactic with him.”

Creole Chrome will have his sixth different rider in six races (Timothy Thornton rode him at Evangeline Downs), with Ortiz riding the Brad Cox-trained Leading Change, who could be made the Indiana Derby betting favorite off an impressive debut race. Sharp was able to get another nationally prominent jockey in Junior Alvarado, winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes on Horse of the Year Sovereignty. Alvarado was coming to Horseshoe Indianapolis to ride Star Actress in the $200,000, Grade 3 Indiana Oaks for trainer Bill Mott.

“He’s never going to be a horse that’s far back, right?” Sharp said. “We’re not going to fight him if he’s on the lead. But just the ability to shut off and relax is what he seemed to really show that he could do in that last race at Louisiana.”

Sharp is among those who think the public will make Leading Change the favorite off his 6 1/2-length maiden win at Churchill Downs, even if it’s his only start and came at seven furlongs.

“We ran second to Brad’s horse in that maiden race at Churchill Downs, and we liked our horse (Don’s Winner) a lot,” Sharp said. “So, I was impressed by his horse that day. Obviously, Creole has a lot more seasoning, so hopefully the race experience will help him out, because you know Brad’s horse is not short of ability.”

Ortiz seconds that opinion of Leading Change, opting to come to Indiana to ride instead of being at Saratoga.

“He won nicely the first time out in the debut,” Ortiz said up at Saratoga. “He is very straightforward and has a good mind. I was working him last year and, unfortunately, he did not make the races (as a 2-year-old). He was working good, and he has looked like a nice horse since Day One. First time out, the way he did it was impressive.

“Obviously, he just broke his maiden. But he can step up a little bit with some nice horses.”

Sharp does get the services of Ortiz aboard Miwa, one of the favorites in the $100,000 Indiana General Assembly Distaff Handicap on the Indiana Derby undercard. Miwa won a Churchill Downs allowance race in her first start since November.

“She ran a great race back off the layoff the other day,” he said. “She was really, really good to us at Kentucky Downs. She won down there, and I wheeled her back in eight days, and she ran third in a $2 million stakes. In hindsight, that kind of wiped her out for the year. She was kind of a little flat after that, so they freshened her, brought her back, and she ran a huge race. We’re trying to get her a stakes win, get her some black type.”

Sharp also has the stakes-winning Seminole Chief in the $100,000 Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial for older males on turf. In his first start for Sharp last time out, Seminole Chief won a $75,000 claiming race at Churchill Downs.

“He’s obviously has the back class to be competitive against these kinds,” Sharp said. “I thought he ran one of his best races in recent years the other day. So, staying local and giving him a little shot at picking up some more black type made sense. But I thought that race came up pretty tough.”

Indiana Derby Day begins at 12 p.m. for the 13-race card. Additional activities surround the event trackside, including a $3,000 Indiana Derby Megabet drawing, $2,500 Indiana Derby Day Legends contest sponsored by Indiana HBPA, and a $1,000 Indiana Derby Hat Contest. Fans will also be treated to a cigar rolling station, selfie station, and face painting for the kids. Food trucks and various booths will also be available throughout the day, leading up to the Indiana Derby set as Race 12 on the program.

The 24th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse extends through Friday, November 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.

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Kelsey Mitchell winner completes Fever comeback against Mercury, without Caitlin Clark

Published

11 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

Kelsey Mitchell winner completes Fever comeback against Mercury, without Caitlin Clark

PHOENIX — The Indiana Fever barely eked out of Mortgage Matchup Arena with a 92-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night on the second night of a back-to-back.

Caitlin Clark (rest) did not play after making her return on a minutes restriction on Wednesday against Los Angeles. Aliyah Boston, who missed the game against L.A. for precautionary reasons, finished with 19 points and eight rebounds against the Mercury.

Kelsey Mitchell scored 29 points on 10-of-22 shooting, adding on eight assists. She hit the game-winning layup with 10 seconds left. Tyasha Harris finished with 15 points and five assists, including a stretch of nine of 11 Fever points to close the gap.

Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas had 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists, Kahleah Copper added 22 points and five rebounds.

Here’s what I liked and disliked, and what the win means.

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What I liked in the Indiana Fever’s win vs Phoenix Mercury

Early 3-point shooting: One of Boston’s main focuses this offseason was improving her 3-point shot, and it’s coming to fruition. She made two 3-pointers in the first quarter, helping lead the Fever to six total makes beyond the arc in the opening 10-minute period. Harris, starting in place of Clark, had two 3-pointers in the first quarter, as well, with Lexie Hull and Mitchell each making one. At the time, it was big for the Fever to maintain a lead.
Roaring back in the third quarter: Basketball is a game of runs, and the Fever embodied that. They led by 12 in the first, then trailed by four at halftime, then went on a 20-9 run over seven minutes in the third quarter to take a one-point lead by the end of the third. Mitchell was the one to lead that comeback, scoring nine points on 3-of-6 shooting along with three assists in that quarter. The third was crucial for the Fever not just to get back into the lead, but, especially on a back-to-back, to try and have the mental fortitude to close the game out.
Tyasha Harris coming in clutch: Harris’ role has expanded since Clark has been out (or limited), and she is making the most of her minutes. She scored nine points in the fourth quarter alone, including a 3-pointer with three minutes left to take the lead, then four straight points to give the Fever the lead again with 44 seconds left. She finished the game with 15 points and five assists, being the facilitator the Fever need while Clark recovers.

What I disliked in the Indiana Fever’s win vs Phoenix Mercury

Second-quarter slide: For the second straight game, the Fever held a double-digit lead in the first quarter then were trailing by halftime. The Fever allowed the Mercury to shoot 12 of 20 from the field in the second quarter (and 5 of 8 from 3-point range), completely negating the Fever’s six 3-pointers from the first quarter. Phoenix went on a 12-2 run over the final three minutes of the quarter, too, taking advantage of the Fever’s off the mark shots.
Silly mistakes: In a close game like this, every possession matters. And every mistake compounds. The Fever had a few in the second half, including a shot-clock violation from Harris where she wasn’t even in shooting motion yet, a defensive three-seconds foul from Aliyah Boston, a backcourt violation from Kelsey Mitchell, and another shot clock violation from Raven Johnson to start the fourth quarter. All of those mistakes gives Phoenix extra points or extra possessions. While the Fever ultimately won the game, it made it closer than it needed to be.

What the Indiana Fever’s win vs Phoenix Mercury means

Indiana (13-9) is a strong team offensively, but recently, the Fever haven’t been able to get out of their own way on defense. It showed in the runs they gave up to Phoenix, flip-flopping the lead and forcing the Fever to continue to play from behind. It worked out for Indiana this time around, finding what they needed when they needed it, but it won’t be sustainable long term.

Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at chloe.peterson@indystar.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.

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Attempted murder suspect arrested in Indianapolis for Bloomington shooting

Published

22 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Attempted murder suspect arrested in Indianapolis for Bloomington shooting

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — A Bloomington man was arrested Wednesday in Indianapolis on an attempted murder charge after police say he fired seven to eight rounds into a white GMC SUV occupied by three adults and four children last month in Bloomington before fleeing the area.

A news release issued Thursday from the Bloomington Police Department said members of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s special weapons and tactics team took Kafern P. Johnson, 32, into custody near the intersection of West 84th Street and Allison Avenue in Indianapolis without incident.

The arrest came more than two weeks after the June 23 shooting in the 1000 block of North Summit Street. That’s in a residential area next to Crestmont Park in Bloomington.

Monroe County Central Emergency Dispatch received 911 calls at 7:41 p.m. June 23 reporting gunfire in the area.

Responding patrol officers and detectives determined Johnson had fired into the SUV following a verbal fight with the vehicle’s driver. Police said the dispute stemmed from an argument over a relationship.

No injuries were reported despite the number of people inside the vehicle.

Following his arrest, Johnson was taken to an IMPD facility for questioning and later booked into the Marion County jail. On Thursday morning, he was booked into the Monroe County jail.

The release said Johnson could face felony charges of attempted murder, criminal recklessness with a firearm, and pointing a firearm. No formal charges have yet been filed, according to online court records.

Bloomington police asked anyone with additional information to call 812-349-3324.

This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.

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