As a groundbreaking event, Kenneth Smith, a killer, was the first person in the United States to be put to death by nitrogen gas.

The execution, which happened in Alabama, used a new method that is meant to be less painful and more humane than the lethal shot that was previously most common.

nitrogen gas

The First Exercising with Nitrogen Gas

Kenneth Smith, 58 years old, was declared dead at 8:25 p.m. on January 25, 2024, at the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama. This was a big change in the way people were put to death.

Smith was put through the unusual process of breathing pure nitrogen gas through a face mask. This shows how Alabama is different from other states that use deadly injections.

Alabama’s Acceptance of Executions with Nitrogen Gas

Officials in Alabama have pushed for the new way of execution, calling it “the most painless and humane method of execution known to man.”

With this decision, Alabama became one of the first states to use nitrogen gas for the death penalty, joining a small group of states that have already approved this controversial method.

Alabama’s Laws and Kenneth Smith’s Crime

Liz Sennett, 45, was killed for hire in March 1988, and Smith’s execution is tied to that crime.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said that Smith’s execution was a way to get justice for this horrible act. Alabama is committed to changing how it handles the death penalty, as shown by the switch to nitrogen gas as a way.

Legal controversies about Smith’s case

Smith’s legal journey began with his sentence being overturned in 1989. He was then convicted again in 1996.

Even though 11 out of 12 jurors wanted to give him a life term, the judge went against them and gave him the death penalty.

This case history shows how complicated Smith’s legal road was on his way to being put to death.

Conclusion and Thought

Governor Ivey said he hoped that Elizabeth Sennett’s family could finally move on with their lives after more than 30 years of grief. Smith’s last words were that Alabama’s choice of how to execute people was a step backward for humanity.

At some point during the 22 minutes that Smith was being put to death by nitrogen gas, he showed signs of discomfort.