Judge Allows Use of Erratic Electric Chair

A judge ruled that the state’s electric chair is not cruel and unusual punishment, clearing the way for resumed use of the device almost a month after flames shot from a convict’s head during his execution. Circuit Judge A.C. Soud rejected the claim of Leo Alexander Jones that use of the 74-year-old chair should be banned on constitutional grounds. Jones was sentenced to die for the 1981 killing of Thomas Safranski. Florida’s electric chair became an issue on March 25 when it prompted a bolt of flame and smoke to shoot from the head of Pedro Medina, the second such occurrence in 10 years.