Idaho lawmakers are strengthening their recently reinstated firing squad as the primary method of execution, with eight inmates currently on death row and the upcoming capital murder trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the student murders. State Rep. Bruce Skaug, who introduced the legislation, expressed his belief that the firing squad is a more reliable and humane method compared to other execution methods, citing a problematic lethal injection attempt in Idaho last year.
The state revived the firing squad in March 2023 as a backup when lethal injection, a method facing increasing scrutiny, is unavailable. This followed the unsuccessful lethal injection of serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech, which further fueled the push for the firing squad's reinstatement. Making the firing squad the primary execution method wouldn't incur additional costs for taxpayers as funding for the execution chamber was allocated in the prior bill.
Meanwhile, Kohberger's defense team is contesting the death penalty and challenging the validity of warrants and DNA evidence used in his arrest. Recent hearings in the quadruple murder case revealed new details, although the judge's decisions are still pending.
Deborah Denno, a Fordham Law School professor and death penalty expert, has stated that firing squads are widely considered the most effective and humane method of execution, pointing to the quick and dignified deaths in the three modern firing squad executions. Lethal injections have been marred by complications, drug shortages, and failed attempts, with Creech being one of several recent survivors. Denno supports giving inmates a choice in their execution method, suggesting that many might opt for the firing squad, similar to Tennessee inmates choosing electrocution over lethal injection.
Currently, only four states offer the firing squad option, and its use is infrequent. Matt Mangino, a former prosecutor and author of a book on capital punishment, believes the Idaho bill is likely to pass given the current political landscape. He argues that while lethal injections appear clinical, they can be more brutal than they seem, with drugs like paralytics used primarily for the comfort of witnesses.
Idaho currently has eight death row inmates, including Creech, and is preparing for the high-profile trial of Bryan Kohberger, who could face the death penalty if found guilty of the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The firing squad bill is currently under committee review.
