January 26th 2024.
According to a recent report from The Associated Press, a convicted murderer in the United States was put to death using nitrogen gas for the very first time. This groundbreaking execution took place on January 25th at an Alabama state prison, where 58-year-old Kenneth Eugene Smith took his last breath by inhaling pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, effectively depriving him of oxygen. This new method of execution has sparked intense debates about the morality of capital punishment, with some arguing that it is a more humane option while others view it as cruel and untested. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey spoke out in support of the execution, stating that it brought justice for the heinous 1988 murder of 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett.
"After more than three decades and multiple attempts to manipulate the system, Mr. Smith has finally faced the consequences for his horrific actions," Governor Ivey stated. "My thoughts and prayers are with the Sennett family as they hopefully find closure after all these years of enduring such a tragic loss."
According to court records from the Alabama Attorney General's Office, the details of Sennett's brutal murder are nothing short of horrifying. She had welcomed Smith and his accomplice into her home, only to be viciously beaten and stabbed multiple times, leaving her defenseless and ultimately claiming her life.
As lethal injection drugs have become increasingly difficult to obtain, more states have been seeking alternative methods for carrying out executions. Currently, only three states, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, have approved the use of nitrogen hypoxia, but until now, none have actually utilized this untested method.
The execution itself lasted approximately 22 minutes, with Smith appearing conscious for a portion of that time. However, in the final minutes, he appeared to be struggling against his restraints, breathing heavily until his breaths were no longer visible between the opening and closing of the curtains in the viewing room.
Smith's final words were, "Tonight, Alabama takes a step back in terms of humanity...I leave with love, peace, and light." He then made the "I love you" sign with his hands towards his family members who were present as witnesses. "Thank you for standing by me. I love you all," he said.
After the warden took away the microphone and left the room, Smith had a final conversation with his spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeff Hood. Hood touched Smith's feet with his Bible and continued to pray for him until the very end of the execution.
This was not the first scheduled execution for Smith, as he was originally set to be put to death on November 17, 2022. However, this attempt was unsuccessful as workers were unable to begin the lethal injection process before the state's execution warrant expired at midnight.
In related news, the convicted shooter responsible for the Charleston Church Massacre is currently seeking to have his death sentence overturned, further highlighting the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the use of capital punishment in the United States.
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