On Thursday night, Alabama carried out the execution of convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas. This marked the first time in nearly four decades that the nation has employed a new method for capital punishment. According to the Washington Post, this particular execution was the first of its kind in the world. The execution occurred shortly after the US Supreme Court's decision to allow it to proceed. Smith, a 58-year-old individual with a criminal record, had his scheduled lethal injection in 2022 postponed due to difficulties in establishing an IV line, as reported by the AP. Alabama later adopted the use of nitrogen gas, maintaining that it is a humane method, despite objections from critics.
Smith's attorneys had fought a legal battle, but unfortunately, their arguments were unsuccessful. They believed that Alabama was using him as a test subject for an experimental method. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, along with two other liberal justices, expressed her dissent by stating that Alabama has chosen to use Smith as a test subject for an untested method of execution, after failing to execute him previously. All eyes are on us. No statements were issued by the majority justices. Smith was declared deceased at 8:25pm following the inhalation of pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, resulting in a lack of oxygen. This marked a significant development in the US, as it introduced a novel approach to carrying out executions, breaking away from the established practice of lethal injection that had been in place since the early 1980s.
Smith was found guilty for his involvement in the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of Elizabeth Sennett, along with another individual. According to prosecutors, he and another individual received a payment of $1,000 each to carry out the act of killing Sennett. This was allegedly done at the request of her pastor husband, who was facing significant financial difficulties and sought to benefit from an insurance payout.
Prior to the planned execution, Smith had the opportunity to spend time with his loved ones and receive guidance from his spiritual adviser, as reported by a spokesperson from the prison. For his last meal, he enjoyed a hearty combination of T-bone steak, hash browns, toast, and eggs complemented by a generous serving of A1 steak sauce.
Smith's attorneys had fought a legal battle, but unfortunately, their arguments were unsuccessful. They believed that Alabama was using him as a test subject for an experimental method. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, along with two other liberal justices, expressed her dissent by stating that Alabama has chosen to use Smith as a test subject for an untested method of execution, after failing to execute him previously. All eyes are on us. No statements were issued by the majority justices. Smith was declared deceased at 8:25pm following the inhalation of pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, resulting in a lack of oxygen. This marked a significant development in the US, as it introduced a novel approach to carrying out executions, breaking away from the established practice of lethal injection that had been in place since the early 1980s.
Smith was found guilty for his involvement in the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of Elizabeth Sennett, along with another individual. According to prosecutors, he and another individual received a payment of $1,000 each to carry out the act of killing Sennett. This was allegedly done at the request of her pastor husband, who was facing significant financial difficulties and sought to benefit from an insurance payout.
Prior to the planned execution, Smith had the opportunity to spend time with his loved ones and receive guidance from his spiritual adviser, as reported by a spokesperson from the prison. For his last meal, he enjoyed a hearty combination of T-bone steak, hash browns, toast, and eggs complemented by a generous serving of A1 steak sauce.
