Execution blocked after company objects to use of its drug

LAS VEGAS — A Nevada judge effectively put the execution of a two-time killer on hold Wednesday after a pharmaceutical company objected to the use of one of its drugs to put someone to death.

Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez disallowed the use of the drug in a ruling that came down less than nine hours before Scott Raymond Dozier, 47, was to be executed with a threechemical injection never before tried in the U.S.

Nevada prisons spokeswoman Brooke Santina had no immediate comment. State officials could appeal right away to the Nevada Supreme Court.