Bill Lee: “But you are telling me, then, that you are not identifying any abuse or real contract fraud in your audit?”

Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.

I hope that Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s decision to postpone the last execution scheduled for this year will give lawmakers time to consider the subject seriously.

It’s a tragedy, and it’s deeply disturbing that that has happened in this state. The people deserve better than that.