US killer's execution filmed

A man convicted of killing his parents and teenage sister was given a three-drug lethal injection today in America's first videotaped execution for nearly 20 years.

Andrew DeYoung, 37, was executed at his prison in Jackson, Georgia, after the state lost a court battle to block the filming.

Lawyers handling the appeal of another death row inmate, Gregory Walker, said filming the execution would provide critical evidence about the effects of pentobarbital, a sedative in Georgia's executions. They aim to show it does not fully sedate and could cause pain and suffering.

The court action followed claims another executed prisoner kept moving after a pentobarbital injection. DeYoung showed no signs of movement after his first injection.

Georgia's Supreme Court yesterday upheld a ruling to permit the video, to be kept under seal by the court.

In 1993, DeYoung stabbed to death parents Kathryn and Gary and 14-year-old sister Sarah, to gain his inheritance.