Alabama carried out the execution of Kenneth Smith on Thursday night, marking the first death row inmate known to die by nitrogen gas in the United States. Smith, convicted for his involvement in a 1988 murder for hire, had previously survived the state’s attempt to execute him by lethal injection in 2022. The US Supreme Court denied his last-minute appeal to halt the execution, and Smith’s time of death was 8:25 p.m. local time. Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm confirmed that nitrogen was running for about 15 minutes during the execution.
Witnesses reported that Smith made a lengthy statement before his death and appeared conscious for several minutes into the execution. After that, he shook and writhed on the gurney, followed by deep breathing and then agonal breathing. Smith’s spiritual adviser, who witnessed the execution, described it as “the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen,” recounting how Smith convulsed, gasped, and heaved after the gas was turned on.
Smith’s execution by nitrogen gas raised concerns from experts and critics, especially because the state’s published protocol contains redactions that experts believe shield important details from public scrutiny. Little is known about the method of execution and questions remain about its impact on the inmate.
Despite the controversy surrounding the execution, one of the sons of the victim, Elizabeth Sennett, expressed relief that Smith’s death brought justice for his mother. He emphasized that nothing can bring his mother back and forgave all three individuals involved in her murder.
Smith’s legal team also highlighted his personal growth and positive contributions during his time in prison, acknowledging that nothing can undo the consequences of his actions but emphasizing the importance of considering his life in its full context.
The execution of Kenneth Smith highlights the debate around the use of nitrogen gas as a method of execution, with some experts expressing concerns about its potential to cause unnecessary pain and suffering. The controversy surrounding this execution raises broader questions about the ethics and humaneness of the death penalty in the United States.
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