Kenneth Eugene Smith was put to death with nitrogen gas (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP, File)“As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. “That was all expected and was in the side effects that we’ve seen or researched on nitrogen hypoxia,” Mr Hamm said. More than 40 death row inmates have selected nitrogen as their preferred execution method over lethal injection but did so at a time when the state had not developed nitrogen procedures. Lawyers for those inmates have asked the court to order Alabama to turn over records and information about Smith’s execution. “After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes,” Ms Ivey said in a statement.

Source: The Times January 27, 2024 13:04 UTC