Staff Reports
In a groundbreaking move, the great state of Alabama has once again made history, this time by becoming the very first jurisdiction on the entire planet to use nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution. And who was the lucky recipient of this historic event? None other than Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was convicted of a heinous murder back in 1988.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Smith was hired, along with two cohorts, to carry out the cold-blooded killing of Elizabeth Sennett by her husband, Reverend Charles Sennett, Jr. Their half-hearted attempt to stage a home invasion fooled absolutely no one, and in just a week, Smith and his partners in crime found themselves behind bars. As if that weren’t enough, their dear employer decided to escape the consequences of his actions by taking his own life after being questioned by the authorities.
The state of Alabama just gassed a man called Kenneth Smith to death. Here’s an interview with the last person — a man of God — he exchanged words with. Listen to him describe what he witnessed.
pic.twitter.com/EbTTTbmWFn https://t.co/NvFboVywcQ— Ish Aderonmu (@LegalishCA) January 26, 2024
Fast forward to November 2022, when Alabama first attempted to execute Smith. But alas, their efforts failed. Determined to find a foolproof method of execution, the state decided to settle on nitrogen hypoxia, claiming it to be a more humane and reliable alternative to lethal injection. Oh, Alabama, always pushing the boundaries!
Naturally, much like New York’s electrifying experience with capital punishment (pun intended), Alabama’s first go at nitrogen hypoxia didn’t quite live up to the hype. According to Alabama’s Solicitor General Edmund LaCour, this method is supposed to be the “most painless and humane” way to execute someone. But let’s just say that Smith’s last moments weren’t exactly a walk in the park.
As described by the media witnesses present, the execution began at 7:53 p.m. after the curtain to the viewing room opened. Smith, with a grin on his face, glanced towards his family and nodded approvingly. Talk about nerve! He even managed to give a thumbs up and signed “I love you” with his left hand. How touching, in a twisted sort of way. Smith must have been feeling quite proud of himself, as if he had just won a participation trophy for being the grim reaper’s apprentice.
But alas, things took a turn for the worse as the gas started flowing at around 7:58 p.m. Smith’s body began to convulse and writhe against the restraints. It was a sight to behold, but not exactly what one imagines when they think of a peaceful and painless end. He struggled for a good two minutes before his breathing became heavy and he gasped for air. All the while, his wife cried out, witnessing the consequences of her husband’s reprehensible actions.
Finally, at 8:08 p.m., Smith appeared to stop breathing. It was over, or so they thought. His spiritual advisor, Reverend Jeff Hood, continuously blessed Smith throughout the execution, as if he were some martyr instead of a man who had caused immeasurable pain and suffering. The curtain drew closed at 8:15 p.m., ending this macabre spectacle.
Now, let’s get one thing straight. Smith got what he deserved. He took a life, and he paid the ultimate price. But here’s the thing. Turning capital punishment into a medical procedure doesn’t do anything to instill respect for the law. Shouldn’t justice be swift and decisive, rather than dragging it out for a staggering 35 years? It’s a mockery of our legal system, and it only serves to erode the trust and faith we should have in our justice system.
So, while Alabama may have made history with their nitrogen hypoxia execution, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. We need a justice system that respects the rights of victims and their families, while also ensuring that the punishment matches the crime without unnecessary delays or attempts to make the execution process more “humane.”
