Two Oklahoma death-row inmates with impending executions have requested death by firing squad instead of by lethal injection, according to Monday court documents obtained by Insider.
Donald Grant and Gilbert Postelle have asked a judge to allow a temporary injunction to halt their executions until a trial — scheduled to begin on February 28 — over the constitutionality of the three-drug lethal-injection protocol ends.
In the meantime, Grant, whose execution is scheduled for January 27, and Postelle, whose execution is scheduled for February 17, were required to choose an alternative execution method: They chose death by firing squad.
"While it may be gruesome to look at, we all agree it will be quicker," Jim Stronski, an attorney for the men, told US District Judge Stephen Friot Monday after a hearing, according to The Associated Press.
Grant was convicted in the killing of two hotel employees during a robbery in 2001. His public defender requested mercy for Grant, saying that he was suffering mental illness and brain damage — but the request was denied, The Oklahoman reported.
Postelle was convicted at 19 years old in the killing of two people alongside his father and brother in 2005. His attorney said he was under the influence of his father and methamphetamine. She added that he had become a changed man since his arrest, The Associated Press reported.
The Sooner State resumed executions in October after a six-year hiatus in the wake of botched executions in 2014 and 2015.
Witnesses said John Marion Grant convulsed and vomited during the 15 minutes after the lethal injections. He was declared dead six minutes later.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections declined to comment. Stronski did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
