The usage of nitrogen gas has caused a debate about capital punishment.
According to The Associated Press, the country has executed a convicted murderer using nitrogen gas for the first time.
Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, was executed on Jan. 25 at an Alabama state prison by breathing in pure nitrogen gas through a face mask to be deprived of oxygen. This was the first time the new method was used in the United States since lethal injection was first introduced in 1982.
Its usage has renewed debates about capital punishment. The state sees the method as humane, while others describe it as cruel and experimental. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey described his execution as justice for the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett.
“After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes,” Ivey said. “I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss.”
Court records from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office said, “Elizabeth welcomed Smith and his accomplice into her home, and they savagely beat her and stabbed the defenseless woman eight times in the chest and once on each side of the neck.”