Kent reported earlier today that the DEA had thrown a monkey wrench into Arizona's plan to execute child rapist and killer Donald Beaty.  It seems that the DEA has taken a sudden interest in the country of origin of chemicals used in various states' lethal injections.  The reasons for this stance are not known (not to me, anyway), and I prefer not to speculate.  The action strikes me as highly irregular, if not unprecedented.  On the other hand, I know some of the leadership of the DEA, and I have faith in its sobriety and fidelity to law.  So I shall await further clarification, which I hope will be forthcoming promptly.

In this instance, however, the DEA's actions have been mooted.  Beaty was executed a few hours ago.  The Arizona Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court refused any further delay.

Beaty was convicted of the murder of 13 year-old Christy Ann Fornoff, who disappeared on the evening of May 9, 1984, while collecting money on her newspaper delivery route.

The story is here.