Fiery Execution Not Cruel, Judge Rules

A judge in Jacksonville rejected a constitutional challenge to Florida’s malfunctioning electric chair, ruling it did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Florida Circuit Judge A.C. Soud concluded that Pedro Medina, whose fiery execution in March spurred inquiry into the condition of the 74-year-old chair, died instantly and did not suffer conscious pain. Flames leaped from the headpiece of the execution apparatus during Medina’s execution and an acrid smoke filled the death chamber. It was the second time in 10 years the chair--nicknamed “Old Sparky”--produced fire during an execution.