MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Dozens of supporters gathered outside the Blount County Courthouse this week, calling on state officials to stop the planned execution of death row inmate Gary Wayne Sutton.
The demonstration comes as concerns mount following a failed execution attempt in Tennessee just days earlier. Sutton is scheduled to be executed on December 3, 2026, and supporters fear he could face similar complications.
Those concerns intensified after the state’s attempt to execute inmate Tony Carruthers was halted when medical staff were unable to establish an intravenous line after more than 90 minutes. Witness accounts described a prolonged and distressing process, raising new questions about Tennessee’s lethal injection procedures.
Supporters at the rally say that incident underscores what they view as serious problems with the system.
“When we found out what happened, it was horrible,” said Carolyn Weaver, a longtime friend of Sutton. “I cried for days because of what we’re afraid Gary’s going to have to go through.”
Sutton has been on death row since 1996 following his conviction in the 1992 murders of Connie Branam and her brother, Tommy Griffin. Prosecutors say Branam’s body was found inside a burned vehicle, while Griffin was shot and killed.
Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond defended the conviction, saying the case has been thoroughly examined over decades.
“The facts and evidence have been reviewed by multiple juries, courts, and legal authorities,” Desmond said in a statement. “Every review has upheld Mr. Sutton’s guilt and death sentence.”
However, Sutton’s defense team argues the case remains deeply flawed. His attorney, Randy Spivey, points to disputed forensic evidence tied to a former state medical examiner who later lost his license. Spivey also says there is no clear motive and maintains Sutton has consistently denied involvement in the murders.
The defense is also pursuing claims that Sutton is intellectually disabled, which could affect his eligibility for execution under current law.
As discussions continue, communities and legal observers across the state are closely watching both Sutton’s case and the broader questions raised by the Carruthers execution attempt.
State officials have not publicly detailed any changes to execution protocols moving forward.
death row inmate Gary Wayne Sutton (WVLT)
