FILE - This June 29, 2011 file photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections shows Clayton Lockett. Two newspapers filed a federal lawsuit Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, that alleges Oklahoma prison officials violated the First Amendment when they prevented reporters from viewing portions of the botched execution of Lockett on April 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections, File) (The Associated Press)
OKLAHOMA CITY – Two news organizations have filed a federal lawsuit accusing Oklahoma prison officials of violating the First Amendment by preventing reporters from viewing portions of a botched execution.
Monday's lawsuit follows the April 29 death of inmate Clayton Lockett, who writhed, moaned and clenched his teeth before dying. Prison officials halted the execution after discovering a problem with an intravenous line. Lockett died of a heart attack about 10 minutes later.
Officials lowered a shade nearly 20 minutes after Lockett's execution started, blocking witnesses' view of the gurney. The Oklahoma Observer and the Guardian US are asking a federal judge to declare that the press be allowed to view an execution in its entirety.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie declined to comment.
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