Execution Advisory: Media Guidelines

Nashville, Tenn. - Media wishing to report on the May 21, 2026, execution of Tony Von Carruthers #139604, held at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI), must RSVP by 12:00 p.m. CDT on May 11, 2026, to [email protected].

• News media will be allowed at the following locations:
  • The RMSI parking lot area
  • The general public area adjacent to the RMSI parking lot

• The roads on or adjacent to state property will be kept clear of people and vehicles. No taping or broadcasts from other TDOC sites in the Cockrill Bend area will be permitted.

• Media check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. local time on May 21, 2026. No media will be allowed to enter the RMSI parking lot after 8:30 a.m. local time on May 21, 2026.

• All media must present appropriate credentials and a photo ID to be admitted to the designated media area at RMSI.

• Media representatives are restricted to the designated media area while in the RMSI parking lot. Individuals may not cross any open areas beyond the parking lot. Media representatives must enter and leave the RMSI parking lot by motor vehicle via the asphalt access road.

• All members of the media must wear special media identification badges which will be issued at check-in on site. The badges must be prominently displayed at all times. The badge must be returned to the Communications Officers at the RMSI entrance point when the individual leaves the RMSI parking lot.

• All media must leave the RMSI premises no later than one hour after the conclusion of the press conference following the execution. No reporting or broadcasts from prison property or media access to RMSI will be allowed for 72 hours thereafter.

• Interviews with any TDOC staff involved in the execution plan, prior to or after the execution, are prohibited.

• Only the TDOC Director of Communications ([email protected]) and/or designee can answer questions about the execution. Media requests made directly to the prison will not be answered.

• Smoking is not allowed on any TDOC prison property.

Violations of these guidelines may result in the revocation of privileges and a request to leave the premises. These guidelines are subject to change.

Please note space is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis until the parking lot is unable to accommodate additional vehicles. An RSVP does not guarantee admittance; however, no one will gain admittance without an RSVP.