Judge Halts Execution of Thomas Creech

A federal judge has issued a temporary stay on the execution of Thomas Eugene Creech, scheduled for November 13, following a botched lethal injection attempt earlier this year. Creech's defense argues that a second execution would be cruel and unusual punishment, and they are also challenging the legitimacy of the evidence used against him in a clemency hearing. The Idaho Department of Correction has suspended execution preparations, returning Creech to his previous housing. Creech, 74, the longest-serving inmate on Idaho's death row, has been convicted of five murders and is known for his generally well-behaved demeanor in prison. His case has gained attention due to claims of prosecutorial misconduct and the broader issues surrounding Idaho's execution methods, which have faced significant challenges. These developments come as another high-profile death penalty case involving Bryan Kohberger is set to go to trial, raising questions about Idaho's execution practices.