Florida has executed a convicted murderer using a never-before-used drug cocktail that appeared to make him retain consciousness longer as he died. William Happ was injected with the sedative midazolam, despite concerns it might not work properly and could inflict cruel and unusual punishment. Florida used the drug as a substitute for pentobarbital, which has been in short supply after the Danish manufacturer prohibited its use in executions. William Happ was pronounced dead 14 minutes after his execution began Tuesday evening. He reportedly appeared to remain conscious longer and to move more frequently while unconscious than prisoners given the old drug.