A judge in Miami will hear a challenge to the state's planned use of a new execution drug.
The Florida Supreme Court last month ordered the hearing in the case of 61-year-old Manuel Valle, convicted in the 1978 shooting death of Coral Gables Police Officer Louis Pena.
Valle's scheduled execution Tuesday was stayed for a month to allow arguments over Florida's plan to use of pentobarbital in place of another drug experiencing a shortage.
Valle's lawyers contend he could feel pain or harm because the drug has never been tested on humans. It has been used in other states but never in Florida. Pentobarbital renders a person unconscious.
Circuit Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola must rule on Valle's execution challenge by Friday.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
