News Summary
Byron Black, a 69-year-old death row inmate in Tennessee, is scheduled for execution. Convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her daughters in 1988, Black’s case raises ethical concerns due to his declining health and claims of intellectual disability. Despite legal efforts to halt the execution based on his intellectual challenges and severe medical conditions, the Tennessee Supreme Court declined to intervene. This controversial case highlights ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty for individuals with health issues and disabilities.
Nashville, Tennessee – Byron Black, a 69-year-old inmate on death row, is facing execution on August 5, 2025, after both the Tennessee Supreme Court and Governor Bill Lee opted not to intervene in his case. Black was convicted for the 1988 murders of his ex-girlfriend Angela Clay and her two daughters, Lakeisha, age 6, and Latoya, age 9. His impending execution raises significant ethical concerns regarding his mental competence and severe health issues.
Black was sentenced to death in 1989 for the brutal killing of Clay and her daughters, a crime that occurred shortly after he was released for a weekend furlough from the Metro Workhouse where he was serving time for shooting Clay’s estranged husband. Eyewitness testimonies indicated that Black and Clay were having an argument shortly before the murders, with neighbors hearing loud bangs emanating from her apartment around 1 to 1:30 a.m. Investigators linked ballistic evidence from the shooting of Clay’s estranged husband to the firearm used in the murders.
In the years since his conviction, Black has consistently maintained his innocence, although he has provided inconsistent alibi explanations. Legal representatives for Black have been advocating against his execution on the grounds of his intellectual disability, which, under current state laws, renders individuals ineligible for the death penalty. Recent assessments have confirmed that Black has an IQ below 70, corroborating his long-documented history of intellectual challenges.
Adding to the complexity of Black’s situation, his health has deteriorated significantly. He currently suffers from dementia, end-stage kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device installed to manage his heart condition. Black’s legal team filed a motion requesting the device be disabled before the execution, citing concerns about the potential for a painful death. However, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that the ICD could remain active during the execution, prompting Nashville General Hospital to clarify that it never consented to deactivate the device, thereby contradicting earlier court statements.
The ethical implications of proceeding with Black’s execution have sparked debate across legal and human rights circles, particularly regarding the legitimacy of the death penalty for those with intellectual disabilities and serious health complications. Additionally, if Black’s execution proceeds as scheduled, it will mark the second death carried out in Tennessee this year, underscoring a growing trend in national executions amid increasing scrutiny over lethal injection protocols.
Black’s case continues to evolve as legal challenges persist, raising important questions about justice, mental health, and the execution of individuals deemed unfit for the death penalty under existing laws. The upcoming execution date has ignited a conversation about the broader implications of capital punishment in America, especially as it relates to vulnerable populations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tennessee Supreme Court Denies Execution Delay for Byron Black
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Byron Black Execution
- Tennessean: Byron Black Execution Update
- ABC News: Heart Device and Execution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Execution
- Google Search: Byron Black Execution
Author: HERE Nashville
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