Tennessee execution

Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada reads a statement as relatives of victims and of convicted murderer Byron Black listen outside Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Byron Black, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Tennessee executes Byron Black despite worries about his heart implant

Catherine Sweeney

The state of Tennessee carried out the execution of Byron Black on Tuesday morning. The 69-year-old was convicted of killing his girlfriend and her daughters in 1988. The execution was carried out despite uncertainty about Black’s heart implant.

The exterior of an ornate building with the words Tennessee Supreme Court on the front.

Criminal Justice

What we know about Byron Black’s execution in Tennessee

Catherine Sweeney

The Tennessee Department of Correction is scheduled to execute Byron Black on Aug. 5, but court challenges regarding the case are still playing out.

A group protested the scheduled execution of Oscar Smith in 2022. The state has now scheduled his execution for May 22, 2025.

Government & Politics

Families of murder victims ask governor to hold off on Tennessee’s executions

Catherine Sweeney

Tennessee is scheduled to resume executions this month, and some victims’ rights advocates are arguing there are better ways to spend state money than administering capital punishment.

Criminal Justice

Tennessee Planning 7 Executions After Years With None

The Associated Press

Tennessee is planning to execute seven people over the next two years, after executing only eight since 1960.On Friday, the Tennessee Supreme Court set…

Criminal Justice

Judge Won't Stop Tennessee's Third Execution Since August

The Associated Press

A federal judge in Nashville won't stop the upcoming execution of David Earl Miller.Miller argued that the electric chair is unconstitutional and lethal…