Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, spent his final hours with a prison pastor, family members, and his lawyer before being executed in Alabama. He had been on death row for decades after being convicted in the 1988 murder of Elizabeth Sennett.
Smith was the first person executed using nitrogen hypoxia, a new method that deprives the body of oxygen. The execution took place at the Holman Correctional Facility. The method has drawn strong criticism, with opponents calling it inhumane.
Prison pastor John Ewell said Smith struggled emotionally as he faced the new execution method. He tried to remain strong for his family and leaned heavily on his faith. Because a previous lethal injection attempt failed in 2022, Smith held hope until the end that the execution might again be stopped.
During his final two days, Smith met with family members, friends, and his attorney. He refused most meals but spoke by phone with his wife shortly before being taken to the execution chamber.
Smith was pronounced dead about 22 minutes after the nitrogen gas was administered. His death has renewed debate in the United States over the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution.
