Posted on 01/25/2024 7:41:37 PM PST by Morgana
Kenneth Eugene Smith has become the first person in history to be executed with nitrogen gas.
The convicted killer, 58, had a tight gas mask placed over his nose and mouth before a stream of 100 percent nitrogen gas suffocated him inside the execution chamber at the William C. Holman prison in Atmore, Alabama.
Smith was officially pronounced dead at 8:25 local time, following a 22-minute ordeal where he appeared to remain conscious for several minutes. He shook violently and pulled on the restraints on the gurney, continuing to breathe the nitrogen gas heavily until he succumbed and passed out.
In his final words, delivered through the gas mask on his face, Smith said: 'Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards... I’m leaving with love, peace and light.'
He made an 'I love you sign' with his hands to his family in the witness box before he was strapped down, adding: 'Thank you for supporting me. Love, love all of you.'
He was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder-for-hire slaying of a preacher's wife in 1988, where he was paid just $1,000 for the hit.
Smith's pastor John Ewell told DailyMail.com before his execution that the killer was 'really struggling' with the reality of his imminent death, and officials said he barely touched his final meal of a T-bone steak, hashbrowns, eggs and A1 Sauce from Waffle House.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
"Naah, I'll finish them later ..." said no one in this situation
I still don’t understand why they stopped using the lethal injection drugs.
I agree with that, but with a slight difference that wouldn’t include any drugs.
Boiling H2SO4 solution is what they deserve.
As long as he is dead now, I’m happy.
Because too many of the 'we' don't want to be tied to the other laws.
Pity he didn't suffer for 222 hours before dying.
He had no such concern for his victim.
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