Federal Judge Issues Temporary Stay for Thomas Creech

A federal judge has issued a temporary stay of execution for Thomas Creech, Idaho's longest-serving death row inmate, after a botched lethal injection attempt earlier this year. Creech was initially set for execution on November 13, 2024, but the stay was granted to allow time for the court to fully consider his federal habeas claims and other legal challenges, including allegations of misconduct during his clemency hearing and claims of cruel and unusual punishment. The Idaho Supreme Court had earlier dismissed Creech’s appeal, stating that his arguments did not hold under state law. U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow emphasized the need for a pause to ensure all legal matters are thoroughly briefed, as the complexity of the case necessitates careful consideration. The Idaho Department of Correction has suspended execution preparations, with briefing deadlines set for late November 2024. Creech has been convicted of multiple murders and is suspected of many others, and his case continues to raise significant legal and ethical questions.