Utah Replaces Untested Drug Combination for Upcoming Execution

State officials secure pentobarbital for August execution after legal challenge over potential suffering.

Utah officials abandon plan to use a three-drug cocktail for the execution of Taberon Dave Honie.
Pentobarbital, used in other states, will replace the untested combination of ketamine, fentanyl, and potassium chloride.
The decision follows a lawsuit claiming the initial drugs could cause excruciating pain.
Honie's execution will be Utah's first since 2010 and is scheduled for August 8.
A hearing is set for Monday to consider Honie's request to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment.