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Ohio man will be allowed to use special pillow during execution

Posted at 8:18 PM, Nov 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-13 20:18:57-05

An Ohio man slated to be executed on Wednesday will be allowed to use a special wedged-shape pillow as he is put to death by lethal injection, the Columbus Dispatch reported

Alva Campbell, 69, will lie on the pillow as a three-drug cocktail will be administered to execute Campbell after he was convicted for the kidnapping and killing of an 18-year-old Columbus man. Campbell was on parole at the time after being charged with aggravated murder from a 1972 killing. 

According to the Dispatch, Campbell has pulmonary problems and it is difficult for him to lie flat without choking.

Last week, Ohio Gov. John Kasich said that he would not put a stop to the execution, despite a clemency request by Campbell's attorney.

Campbell has also requested to be executed by firing squad, citing that a prison nurse was unable to find a suitable vein for an IV. A federal judge ruled out that as an option for Campbell. 

The Dispatch reported, citing court records, that Campbell uses a walker, relies on an external colostomy bag and requires four breathing treatments a day. He also may have lung cancer.