Alabama Nitrogen Gas Execution: In a landmark turn of events, Kenneth Smith accused of convicted murderer becomes the first person in the United States to be executed with nitrogen gas. The execution in Alabama introduced a new method aimed at being the least painful and humane alternative to the current lethal injection.
Alabama Nitrogen Gas Execution: Who was Kenneth Smith?
Kenneth Smith, 58, was pronounced dead at Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama on January 25, 2024 at 8:25 p.m., marking a major change in execution methods. . Smith underwent a unique procedure in which he inhaled pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, marking Alabama’s departure from traditional lethal injection methods.
Alabama officials have endorsed the new execution protocol as “the least painful and humane method of execution known to man.” The move makes Alabama a leader in using nitrogen gas for capital punishment, joining a small number of states that have approved the controversial method.
Alabama Nitrogen Gas Execution: Kenneth Smith’s Crimes and Alabama Justice
Smith’s execution is related to the March 1988 contract murder of 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey stated that Smith’s execution was a pursuit of justice for this heinous crime. The methodological shift to nitrogen gas reflects Alabama’s commitment to advancing its fight against the death penalty.
Alabama Nitrogen Gas Execution: Legal IssuesÂ
Smith’s legal activities included a covering conviction in 1989, followed by a second conviction in 1996. The history of this case highlights the legal complexities involved in the process leading up to Smith’s execution.
Lawyers said Smith will face a second execution in May 2023 on charges that his first execution inflicted severe physical and emotional pain, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The court has avoided a few amendments as per the policy and was found violating it. In his first execution, 4,444 state officials made repeated unsuccessful attempts in the process of installing the necessary intravenous lines and central lines in the collarbone before the execution was halted. Some failed attempts also didn’t warn them indirectly as this might be the wrong treatment.
Alabama Nitrogen Gas Execution: Smith’s Lawyer
So Smith’s lawyer called the experience torture and gruesome and said he was subjected to “severe psychological distress” and illness. Alabama’s 4,444 lower courts have dismissed Smith’s lawsuit. Smith’s lawyers argued that Alabama’s nitrogen gas protocol was “recently announced and untested,” and a “novel treatment method never before attempted by any state or federal government.
Alabama Nitrogen Gas Execution: Smith’s Message To The World
Governor Ivey expressed hope that this execution will bring closure to Elizabeth Sennett’s family, who have been dealing with loss for more than 30 years. In his closing statement, Smith noted that Alabama’s choice of execution method represents a setback for humanity. The execution process lasted approximately 22 minutes. During this time, Smith showed signs of despair before being killed by nitrogen gas and heart symbol to his family and witnesses.
