Alabama Breaks Ground with First-Ever Nitrogen Gas Execution of Convicted Murderer

Alabama executed Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas, marking a historic shift from lethal injections. Smith, convicted of Elizabeth Sennett's murder, faced a prolonged and controversial death. The method faced legal challenges, with critics deeming it experimental and inhumane. The execution unfolded amid global scrutiny, with implications for future capital punishments.

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Alabama made history on Thursday by executing 58-year-old Kenneth Eugene Smith, convicted of the murder-for-hire of Elizabeth Sennett, using nitrogen gas—a departure from the four-decade-long use of lethal injections. The execution unfolded at an Alabama prison, taking approximately 22 minutes, drawing criticism for its perceived cruelty and experimental nature.

Governor Kay Ivey expressed closure for Sennett's family but acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the event. Smith, who survived a previous execution attempt, faced the novel method with a final statement. The use of nitrogen gas, deemed "the most painless and humane," aimed to offer an alternative for prison systems struggling with lethal injection logistics.

The execution commenced at 7:53 pm, involving a gurney, a safety respirator mask, and a canister of pure nitrogen. Witnesses reported Smith remaining conscious for minutes, exhibiting involuntary movements and agonal breathing. Critics, including human rights groups and the UN, sought to prevent the execution, citing its experimental nature and potential for agonizing death.

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Legal battles ensued, culminating in a US Supreme Court ruling rejecting Smith's bid to block the execution. Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, emphasizing Alabama's untested method. Nitrogen gas asphyxiation, a first for death sentences, alarmed experts, while other states consider similar methods due to lethal injection drug shortages.

Kenneth Eugene Smith's conviction traced back to 1988 when he, along with accomplices, accepted payment to murder Sennett. The victim's relatives forgave the killers, emphasizing closure over vengeance. Alabama's unprecedented execution sparks debate over evolving capital punishment methods, resonating beyond state borders.