Texas loses appeal to hide execution drug supplier

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas appeals court has ruled the state prison agency must tell attorneys for two death row inmates the name of the supplier of a new batch of drugs used for lethal injections.

The decision Friday comes one day after a state district judge ordered prison officials to disclose the information to the lawyers. The agency sought an emergency appeal but now plans to take the case to the Texas Supreme Court.

Attorneys for two death row inmates set to die next month filed a lawsuit in the case. They argued they should be provided the name of the supplier of pentobarbital that would be used to execute the prisoners.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice wants to keep it secret, citing escalating threats of violence against execution drug providers.