Idaho beefs up firing squad as Bryan Kohbeger trial nears

To enhance their reinstated firing squad as the primary method of execution, Idaho legislators are taking steps with eight current death row inmates and the capital murder trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the student murders case, looming.

According to Idaho state Rep. Bruce Skaug, who proposed the legislation, “I, along with many others, believe the firing squad is more certain, has fewer appellate issues, and is more humane compared to other execution methods. We had an unsuccessful lethal injection incident in Idaho last year.”

The state brought back the firing squad in March 2023 as a secondary option when lethal injection, an increasingly problematic and disputed means of execution, is unavailable.

Utah firing squad chair

The chair in which John Albert Taylor was strapped during his scheduled execution is shown at Unitas State Prison in Utah on Jan. 24, 1996. Taylor chose to die by a firing squad of five men instead of a lethal injection. (Lee Celano/Reuters)

Lethal injections look modern and even “clinical,” he said, but can be far more gruesome than they appear. One of the drugs in the typical injection cocktail is a paralyltic meant to keep the condemned from writhing – for witness’ comfort not their own. 

Idaho victims last photo

Madison Mogen smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

Idaho currently has eight death row inmates, including Creech, and is gearing up or a high-profile trial over the stabbing murders of four college students. Suspect Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old former criminology Ph.D. student, could face the death penalty if convicted.

Kohberger is scheduled for trial later this year in connection with the home invasion murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, an Ethan Chapin, also 20.

The firing squad bill remains in committee. A hearing and public testimony has not yet been scheduled, Skaug said.

You May Also Like
Wisconsin Cheese debuts fantastical cheese hats, 'fromaginators,' for 2025 Kentucky Derby

Wisconsin Cheese introduces whimsical cheese hats called ‘fromaginators’ for the 2025 Kentucky Derby

CHICAGO (WLS) — Wisconsin Cheese is making a bold fashion statement at…
Brutal reality check for Shedeur Sanders as Browns rookie and GM break their silence on epic NFL Draft tumble

Harsh truth hits Shedeur Sanders as Browns rookie and GM finally speak out about dramatic NFL Draft fall

Shedeur Sanders got a dose of reality after falling to the 144th…
Black Hawk pilot failed to heed flight instructor in moments before plane collision over DC: report

Report: Black Hawk Pilot Ignored Flight Instructor Before Plane Collision over DC

According to a recent report, the pilot of the military Black Hawk…
Multiple killed as SUV driver plows into huge crowd gathered for street festival as cops release horrifying details

Several people died when SUV crashes into large crowd at street festival with police sharing disturbing information

The peaceful evening of music, food, and celebration in Vancouver took a…
US politics: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of NY, NJ Sen. Cory Booker begin livestreamed sit-in protest on Capitol steps

Livestreamed Sit-In Protest on Capitol Steps Started by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker in US Politics

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and New…
Is ‘Tracker’ On Tonight? ‘Tracker’ Season 2, Episode 18 Premiere Time And More

“Is the TV Show ‘Tracker’ airing tonight? Find out about Season 2, Episode 18 premiere time and details”

Tracker fans, rejoice! Last week, we saw Justin Hartley’s character going to…
RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 43 just days after having right leg amputated

Jiggly Caliente, a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, passes away at 43 following a recent leg amputation

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has died aged 43, just days…
Stars at Stagecoach 2025: Paris Hilton, Sydney Sweeney, more

Celebrities Performing at Stagecoach 2025: Paris Hilton, Sydney Sweeney, and Others

Stagecoach pulls in both country music lovers and celebrities to enjoy the…
UN cash app for Gazans exploited by Hamas as terror group steals aid money meant for civilians

Hamas steals aid money from Gaza residents through UN cash app meant for civilians

<!–> Protesters in Gaza target Hamas In an unprecedented move that involves…
Speedboat Crash

Dramatic Video Captures Speedboat Crash at Popular Arizona Lake

Two speedboat racers narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation following a harrowing crash…
Supreme Court to hear arguments after FBI mistakenly raided woman's Atlanta home: 'We'll never be the same'

Supreme Court to listen to arguments over FBI raid on Atlanta woman’s home by mistake: “It changed us forever”

Scheduled for debate by the U.S. Supreme Court is a legal dispute…
What’s This? A Journalist Admitting the MSM Completely Fumbled on the Biden Mental Decline Story?

A journalist acknowledges that the mainstream media failed to cover the Biden mental decline story effectively.

Axios reporter Alex Thompson publicly criticized his fellow media professionals for failing…