Alabama has become the center of a renewed debate over capital punishment methods in the U.S. following the execution of convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, using nitrogen gas. This marks the first time a new execution method has been implemented in the U.S. since the introduction of lethal injection in 1982.
Smith was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m. at an Alabama prison after a 22-minute procedure where he inhaled pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, causing oxygen deprivation. During the execution, Smith showed signs of physical distress, including shaking and heavy breathing, before his breathing ceased.
In his final statement, Smith expressed his views on the backward step for humanity represented by his execution while affirming his love for his supporting family members. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey stated that the execution served justice for the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of Elizabeth Sennett.
The execution follows a failed lethal injection attempt in 2022 and a series of legal challenges by Smith’s attorneys. They argued that the nitrogen gas method, which the state claimed to be humane, could constitute cruel and unusual punishment. However, federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, denied Smith’s appeals.