CBS2 looks into Idaho's history of Capital Punishment

BOISE, IDAHO (CBS2) — Idaho may soon have a second option in carrying out executions. On the governor's desk right now, is a bill that would bring back the firing squad.

CBS2 looked into the state of Idaho's history of capital punishment.

Since before the state's inception--Idaho has been executing members on death row.

17 executions took place from 1868-1901 in the form of hanging. Idaho didn't become a state until Jul. 3rd, 1890.

Until 1901 executions were held as public events, by 1901 they were moved to state prisons in Boise.

Nine people were executed from 1901-1957. The last 'hanging' death occurred in 1957.

The state would wait another 37 years for its subsequent execution.

Supreme Court challenges would put a moratorium from 1957-1972. However, that would be lifted and by 1978--lethal injections would be added as an alternative to death by hanging.

A 'firing squad' alternative was added in 1982 but eventually removed In 2009.

Idaho would wait until 1994 to execute its next death row inmate, Keith Eugene Wells in January of 1994.

Followed by Paul Ezra Rhoades in November 2011.

The last execution to take place was Richard Albert Leavitt in June of 2012. All three were executed through lethal injections.

In total, the state has executed 29 death row inmates.

Meanwhile, eight residents currently sit under maximum security in Idaho, on death row.

Most recently, Gerald Pizzuto was set to be executed, however, the chemicals needed for lethal injections were not available, causing delays.

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