Missouri is one of several states that are buying their execution drugs in secret. This week, the issue is getting some national attention.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has been recognized as one of the “most secretive publicly funded agencies or people in the United States.” He’s “won” the Golden Padlock Award from Investigative Reporters and Editors. (He was also invited to accept the award in person, but declined).
Last year St. Louis Public Radio reporters Chris McDaniel and Véronique LaCapra uncovered the identity of the state’s then-supplier, a pharmacy in Tulsa, Okla. The pharmacy was not licensed to sell drugs in Missouri. The reporters also found that a top corrections official paid the pharmacy in cash – $11,000 per execution.
Since the initial investigation, the state has become even more secretive. McDaniel has sued the state for withholding records.
Our investigation is also featured on Reveal, a national program, this week. Reveal> is a show dedicated to investigative reporting.
If you missed the show, listen below, or tune in for the rebroadcast on Monday, June 20 from 7-8 p.m.
