The Tennessee Department of Correction will carry out capital punishment sentences at a new time beginning June 1.
In the past, sentences of death have been executed at 1 a.m. in order to give the department enough time to proceed on the scheduled date and to minimize interference with institutional operations. For executions set on or after June 1, the process will begin at 10 p.m.
TDOC Commissioner Gayle Ray said the decision was made in consideration of crime victim’s families, prison staff and the public at large. “I believe this change will have a number of benefits for those involved and those interested in the execution process but it will not significantly change the capital punishment protocol,” said Commissioner Ray. “In addition to accommodating victim’s families through this difficult process, I believe this time change will also assist court officials, inmates’ families and the media.”
The TDOC staff charged with carrying out executions has always done so in a professional manner and will continue to perform in that way, according to officials.