Execution of a Death Row Inmate to be Accompanied by Repeated Heart Shocks via Implant, Claim Attorneys
In the state of Tennessee, a legal and medical controversy is unfolding ahead of the scheduled execution of death row inmate Byron Black on August 5, 2025. The crux of the issue revolves around Black's implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that functions as both a pacemaker and a defibrillator to electrically shock his heart in an emergency.
Byron Black received the ICD implant in May 2024. However, an active legal dispute has arisen regarding deactivating the device ahead of his execution. Initially, a Davidson County Chancery Court ordered the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) to have Black’s device switched off just before the lethal injection, due to concerns that the ICD’s emergency shock function could cause a prolonged and torturous execution by repeatedly shocking his heart.
However, the Tennessee Supreme Court overturned that lower court order on July 31, 2025. The high court argued that the lower court did not have authority to impose rules that might delay the execution. This ruling came despite arguments from Black’s attorneys that keeping the device active posed a serious risk of irreparable harm, especially given Black’s intellectual disability and other serious health issues including dementia, brain injury, heart failure, and kidney disease.
The hospital managing Black’s ICD, Nashville General Hospital, refused to disable it. Hospital leadership stated that disabling the device was beyond their agreement with the correctional healthcare provider and that multiple entities refused to participate. The state attempted to arrange deactivation at the hospital on execution day, but the hospital cancelled the appointment.
After the correctional healthcare company Centurion declined involvement following legal advice, the state has appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court to proceed with the execution without deactivating the ICD.
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in Byron Black is a Boston Scientific Dual Chamber ICD Resonate HF EL (model number D533). The first sequence of shocks from the ICD is effective in 89-100% of cases, but these shocks are "extremely painful and distressing." Black's attorneys fear that the ICD will shock him repeatedly during the execution, causing extreme pain and suffering.
The state argues that Black wouldn't feel the shocks, a claim contested by Black's attorneys. The argument that Black would be unaware and unable to feel pain was countered by his attorneys, who note some studies "confuse unawareness with unresponsiveness."
In a bid to halt the execution, Black's attorneys have filed a motion for a stay of execution with the Tennessee Supreme Court, citing concerns about his heart implant. Black's attorneys are also asking for the governor to commute his sentence to life in prison.
This ongoing controversy highlights the complex interplay between law, medicine, and ethics in the context of capital punishment. As the execution date approaches, the fate of Byron Black hangs in the balance.
References: [1] Associated Press. (2025, July 18). Judge orders Tennessee to deactivate inmate's heart device before execution. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-orders-tennessee-deactivate-inmate-s-heart-device-before-execution-rcna29489
[2] Associated Press. (2025, July 31). Tennessee high court overturns order to deactivate death row inmate's heart device. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tennessee-high-court-overturns-order-to-deactivate-death-row-inmates-heart-device/
[3] Associated Press. (2025, August 3). Hospital refuses to deactivate death row inmate's heart device. Retrieved from https://www.wsmv.com/news/local/hospital-refuses-to-deactivate-death-row-inmates-heart-device/
[4] Associated Press. (2025, August 4). State seeks to proceed with execution despite heart device controversy. Retrieved from https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/state-seeks-to-proceed-with-execution-despite-heart-device-controversy/
[5] Associated Press. (2025, August 5). Tennessee execution set to proceed despite heart device controversy. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/05/tennessee-execution-set-proceed-despite-heart-device-controversy/200669407/
- The technology involved in Byron Black's implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a Boston Scientific Dual Chamber ICD Resonate HF EL, model number D533.
- The first sequence of shocks from the ICD is effective in 89-100% of cases, but these shocks are "extremely painful and distressing."
- Black's attorneys fear that the ICD will shock him repeatedly during the execution, causing extreme pain and suffering.
- The state argues that Black wouldn't feel the shocks, a claim contested by Black's attorneys.
- The argument that Black would be unaware and unable to feel pain was countered by his attorneys, who note some studies "confuse unawareness with unresponsiveness."
- The ongoing controversy surrounding Black's ICD highlights the complex interplay between law, medicine, and ethics in the context of capital punishment.
- The future of tech in the workplace-wellness sector could potentially involve the development of more sensitive devices for individuals with medical conditions, such as Black's ICD.
- The case of Byron Black's ICD is a significant issue in the general news arena, with various media outlets covering the story, including Gizmodo.
- The science community has been brought into the debate, with experts weighing in on the risks and consequences of disabling or leaving the ICD active during an execution.
- Chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart failure, and kidney disease, are serious health issues that have made headlines in health and wellness news.
- Mental health, including issues related to dementia and brain injury, are often discussed in tandem with physical health concerns, as seen in the case of Byron Black.
- Mens' health, sexual health, and skin care are also important topics in health and wellness discussions, aiming to promote overall well-being and address common health concerns.
- In the realm of medical-conditions and treatments, therapies for chronic diseases are constantly evolving, with promising advances in cancer treatments and cardiovascular health.
- Policy and legislation play a crucial role in addressing health-related issues, with debates on end-of-life care and access to healthcare at the forefront of political discussions.
- Sports, particularly American football, have a significant impact on health and fitness, with sports betting becoming increasingly popular, raising concerns regarding its influence on the sport and players' well-being.
- The intersection of war and conflicts, politics, and crime and justice often shapes the landscape of healthcare, as demonstrated by the case of Byron Black and his ICD. The management of such situations requires careful consideration and attention to ethical concerns.
