Tennessee ordered to tell next death row inmate if his doctor will be the same one from Tony Carruthers’ botched execution

By Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) · July 17, 2026 · 2 min read

What This Story Is AboutA judge has ordered that the state of Tennessee must tell the next death row inmate scheduled for execution if he will have the same doctor in the botched attempt of Tony Carruthers. Why It MattersDuring Carruthers’ attempted execution in May, Dr. Mark Fowler was unable to...

Why this matters in The Nashville

The judge's ruling has significant implications for the transparency and accountability of Tennessee's death penalty process. By ordering the state to disclose whether the same doctor involved in the botched execution of Tony Carruthers will be used again, the court is acknowledging the need for greater scrutiny of the state's lethal injection protocol. The fact that Dr. Mark Fowler was unable to establish IV access for over an hour during Carruthers' attempted execution raises serious concerns about the state's ability to carry out executions humanely. As the execution of Darrell Hines approaches, the state's response to the ruling will be closely watched by death penalty opponents and supporters alike. The Tennessee Department of Corrections will likely face increased pressure to ensure that its execution procedures are in line with constitutional standards, and that the rights of inmates are protected.

About this story

Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 17, 2026 · Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) · Reading time: 2 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

About this coverage

Every story on The Nashville is curated, fact-checked against the original publisher's reporting, and contextualized for our readers. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize the key facts under fair use, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see thenashville.org/editorial-standards.

About The Nashville

The Nashville is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover Nashville TN news, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Hillsboro High School, Nashville. Our reporting is supported by display advertising, sponsorships, and reader donations — with sponsored placements clearly attributed. Read our ownership disclosures at thenashville.org/ownership.

Stay informed

Nexcom Media Network

More stories from our newsroom

Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway signs to be moved

'My temper took the best of me': Dickson County man arrested after machete incident sits down with News 2

Convicted murderer in Holly Bobo case has appeal denied

Worker killed when ‘bundle of steel beams’ collapses onto him while unloading truck

LSU fraternity house cook accused of selling cocaine to students

'This is home': Proposed 12South development revives parking, neighborhood character concerns

Traffic relief ahead? Hendersonville lands millions for six road projects

'We've done everything possible to solve this problem': Westmoreland officials speak as boil water notice continues

Republican gubernatorial candidates address public safety, affordability ahead of Election Day

Tenn. court orders disclosure of execution physician identity in upcoming execution

Grocery store spending declines as prices rise in Middle Tennessee

‘I love blood’: Officials reveal texts between teens accused of killing 5 family members

Canadian wildfire smoke blankets D.C., Chicago and Detroit

DHS Secretary Mullin pushes election security initiative with threats

Tennessee ordered to tell next death row inmate if his doctor will be the same one from Tony Carruthers’ botched execution

Man sentenced to federal prison for hate crime against Black neighbor

Metro Council considers bill to report 'AI price gouging'

Boil water notice strains Westmoreland businesses, tests residents’ patience

Former Titan Chris Johnson’s family speaks out after ALS diagnosis goes public

TBI: Tennessee man accused of soliciting child sexual abuse material nationwide

DC Blox closes on land intended for data center next to Nashville Zoo

Music City Grand Prix brings Indycar racing back to Nashville

Man accused of distributing child sexual abuse material through app, TN sheriff’s office says

Everything you need to know ahead of the Tennessee primaries

Family identifies 5 victims, including 4 children, found in SUV with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Car crashes into Nashville fire hydrant, sending water gushing into the air

3, including baby, ejected during rollover crash; driver charged with DUI

The U.S. is seeing one of the worst tick seasons on record. Here’s how it’s impacting Middle TN — and what to do if you’re bitten.

Cheatham County Schools addresses concerns over school meal prices increase

Titans to induct Chris Johnson into Ring of Honor

Husband, wife of 35 years killed when tree falls on car during storms

Man’s body found hidden in hotel room had been there for months, police say

Father charged with murder after his 2-year-old son died in house fire, authorities say

Tennessee Titans to induct Chris Johnson into Ring of Honor

Tennessee school district warns parents about unapproved after-school care program

Mother shot while shielding her 2-year-old son after being followed home, police say

Tennessee man paid minors across the U.S. to send him sexual exploitation videos via social media, TBI says

Gov. Beshear awards more than $6.1M in state funding for site building development, Cumberland County included

State attorney arrested by immigration officials, held in detention center

Thousands of athletes head to Rutherford County for US Youth Soccer National Championships