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Legislators Explore Gas as Execution Option

Oklahoma legislators are exploring the option of executing condemned inmates with nitrogen gas.

A formal interim study requested by Oklahoma City Republican Mike Christian was held Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee.

Christian is a staunch supporter of the death penalty who says he plans to draft a bill on the matter for next year's Legislature, which begins in February.

Christian requested the study after Oklahoma's lethal injection in April of Clayton Lockett, who writhed on the gurney, clenched his teeth and moaned before being pronounced dead about 43 minutes after his execution began.

East Central University assistant professor of criminology Michael Copeland testified that medical and scientific evidence suggests death by use of nitrogen gas would be painless, humane and easy to administer.

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