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Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods. The Market Square protest was part of a global movement called the March Against Monsanto, with protests held Saturday in more than 250 cities.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> This Memorial Day weekend across the country thousands of people will visit cemeteries to remember those who died in service to America.More >> Hundreds of local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts decorated the Knoxville National Cemetery with over 8,000 flags.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >>
By KRISTIN M. HALL
Associated Press
NASHVILLE (AP) - It's been three years since Tennessee executed an inmate and problems with obtaining lethal injection drugs make it unlikely the executions will resume anytime soon.
Tennessee officials are staying tight-lipped about their search for alternative drugs to use for lethal injections, but the state currently doesn't have two out of the three drugs used in lethal injections.
The state's supply of sodium thiopental, a barbiturate general anesthetic, was turned over to the federal government in 2011 and drug shortages have made pancuronium bromide, a strong muscle relaxant, unavailable.
The Department of Correction spokeswoman Dorinda Carter said last week that no decision has been made on revisions to Tennessee's current three-drug method, but they are monitoring steps taken by other states to carry out executions with other drugs.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
