NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Decades after he was sentenced to death for murder, a man was executed by lethal injection on Thursday morning. 

It was Tennessee’s first execution since that of Nicholas Sutton in February 2020 and the first under the state's new death penalty protocol. Outside the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, a small group of protesters gathered to oppose the execution of Oscar Smith.

A peaceful and rather quiet group, they told News 2 that they were there largely to pray for and mourn Oscar and his victims: Judy Smith, 35; Chad Burnett, 16; and Jason Burnett, 13.

“I’m not here to make a lot of noise, but it’s just an important thing that we’re here to join the group in prayer ahead of the execution,” attendee Charlie Barton told News 2.

Amid concerns over the new lethal injection protocols, Barton added that “it wouldn’t matter” in what way inmates were executed because “it’s just not the right thing to do.” Barton also said that he did not think the state would ever do away with the death penalty.

Tennessee had used a three-drug lethal injection series until Gov. Bill Lee ordered the Tennessee Department of Correction to create a new protocol after an independent review revealed the state hadn't followed the old protocol. Under the new protocol, the state utilizes the single drug pentobarbital.

Another protester, Eric Boucher, said that he's become close with several inmates along death row through his church. 

“I think it’s important to stand alongside and to honor and mourn Oscar, but also remember the victims as well: Judy and Chad and Jason,” Boucher said. “They’re not forgotten in this.”

Boucher emphasized the need for healing and mercy among those who have been charged with heinous crimes.

“I believe that it’s wrong to be killing, so I’m not sure why he [Lee] continues to pursue these ritual killings," Boucher said.

Tennessee has carried out the death penalty 13 times since 2000. Before 1999, inmates had the choice between the electric chair and lethal injection. Five of the last six executions within the state utilized the electric chair.

In March, the state filed to schedule the executions of three other prisoners: Byron Black, Harold Nichols and Donald Middlebrooks.  Black’s new execution date is Aug. 5, 2025, Middlebrooks’ new execution date is Sept. 24, 2025, and Nichols’ new execution date is Dec. 11, 2025.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/oscar-smith-execution-protest/