The execution began at 7:53 pm, and the nitrogen mask was kept on Smith for about five minutes after he flatlined. According to authorities, the method was picked because it has become difficult to find lethal injection drugs. Execution methods vary, but some states still allow execution by hanging, firing squad or the electric chair. In recent decades, most states have settled on lethal injection as the main execution method. Texas was the first state to execute a convicted criminal with lethal injection, in 1982.

Source: The Star January 26, 2024 20:07 UTC