Live updates: Alabama carries out nitrogen hypoxia execution

Alabama carries out nitrogen hypoxia execution of Kenneth Smith

STATE OF ALABAMA THAT NITROGEN EPOXY IS ONE OF THE THREE METHODS OF EXECUTION. SO THE INMATES CHOOSE IT, THEN THAT’S THE METHOD WE WILL USE. WE CONTINUE TO FOLLOW BREAKING NEWS OUT OF ATMORE TONIGHT, A CONVICTED MURDERER, KENNETH SMITH, THE FIRST DEATH ROW INMATE IN AMERICA TO BE EXECUTED BY NITROGEN HYPOXIA. LET’S GET BACK OUT TO LISA CRANE. AND WHILE THIS CASE IS CONTROVERSIAL, THE VICTIM’S FAMILY IS RELIEVED. YEAH, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT CHILDREN OF ELIZABETH SENAIT HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS TO BE OVER FOR A LONG TIME. THEY CALL IT THEIR NIGHTMARE SINCE THEIR MOM WAS MURDERED BACK IN 1988. THEY SAID TONIGHT THEY ARE GLAD THEY CAN FINALLY PUT THIS BEHIND THEM, BUT THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT THIS. NOW, THIS DEBATE OVER THIS NEW METHOD OF EXECUTION IS GOING TO CONTINUE ON. THIS IS JUST BEGINNING. NOW WE KNOW THAT KENNETH SMITH HAD A GAS MASK STRAPPED TO HIS FACE THAT WAS THEN STRAPPED TO THE GURNEY. HIS SPIRITUAL ADVISER WAS IN THE DEATH CHAMBER WITH HIM WHEN. HE WAS EXECUTED. HE SPOKE TO THE MEDIA JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES AGO, AND HE TOLD US ABOUT WHAT HE WITNESSED, SAYING THAT IT WAS TORTUROUS. HE CALLED IT A FORM OF TORTURE, SAYING THAT HE WAS NOT UNCONSCIOUS IN SECONDS AS IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT IN FACT, HE WRITHED AND SHOOK IN PAIN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, AND IT TOOK ABOUT 20 MINUTES FOR THEM TO PRONOUNCE HIM DEAD, WHICH THEY HE SAYS, WAS VISIBLY, UM, A SURPRISING TO THE DOCK EMPLOYEES WHO WERE WITNESSING IT. WE’RE GOING TO HEAR FROM HIM A LITTLE BIT LATER, BUT THE EXECUTION RATHER TOOK ABOUT 22 MINUTES, AND SMITH APPEARED TO REMAIN CONSCIOUS FOR SEVERAL OF THOSE MINUTES. AT LEAST TWO MINUTES, HE APPEARED TO SHAKE AND WRITHE ON THAT GURNEY. SOMETIMES PULLING AT HIS RESTRAINTS. THAT WAS FOLLOWED BY SEVERAL MINUTES OF HEAVY BREATHING UNTIL NO MORE BREATHING WAS PERCEPTIBLE AND A FINAL STATEMENT, SMITH SAID. TONIGHT, ALABAMA CAUSES HUMANITY TO TAKE A STEP BACKWARD, AND HE ENDED HIS PRETTY LONG STATEMENT. BY SAYING, I’M LEAVING WITH LOVE, PEACE AND LIGHT. BACK TO YOU GUYS IN THE STUDIO. LISA, THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF OUR COVERAGE LEADING UP TO AND AFTER THIS EXECUTION

Alabama carries out nitrogen hypoxia execution of Kenneth Smith

Contract killer Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed by nitrogen hypoxia on Thursday, Jan. 25.This was the first execution of its kind, and a method Smith's attorneys referred to as "experimental." It has been admonished by the United Nations and other organizations around the country.�� >> Everything you need to know: Alabama's nitrogen hypoxia execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith“The execution was lawfully carried out by nitrogen hypoxia, the method previously requested by Mr. Smith as an alternative to lethal injection. At long last, Mr. Smith got what he asked for, and this case can finally be put to rest," said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey following the execution.Video below: Full news conference after executionLive UpdatesThe most recent updates are at the top.Friday10 a.m. - Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall spoke in Montgomery about the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith. “Alabama has done it and now so can you," Marshall said to governors of other states.He said nothing that happened during the execution that was contrary to the expertise that was filed before it happened. This was in response to the filings that Smith would be unconscious in seconds when it was reported that took minutes during the execution.Marshall said there are expected to be at least 43 more executions using this method in Alabama, as this is what the death row inmates have chosen.Watch the full news conference below.9:45 a.m. - Amnesty International released a statement condemning the execution of Kenneth Smith and calling for a moratorium to the death penalty.“The death penalty is a violation of human rights, and we condemn the cruel execution of Kenneth Smith in Alabama," said researcher Justin Mazzola with Amnesty International in a statement on behalf of the organization. "It’s shameful that Governor Ivey decided to proceed and take Kenneth Smith’s life, including because of the many concerns in his case as well as the alarm raised by UN experts on the new, untested execution method.“This new and untested method follows several botched attempts at executions by lethal injection in Alabama, including a previously botched attempt to execute Kenneth Smith a mere 14 months ago. “The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and accounts of Kenneth Smith’s last moments simply show that there is no humane way to take someone’s life. It is high time for those in power to stop trying to fix the failed experiment that is the death penalty. Instead, they should devote all resources and focus on alternatives that would more effectively address crime at its roots and protect human rights. We call on the Alabama authorities to immediately establish a moratorium on all executions as a first critical step towards abolition.“The systemic flaws in Alabama’s death penalty system, which also tainted Kenneth Smith’s case, do not end with this execution. Among others, his death sentence was imposed after a judge overrode the decision of the jury for life imprisonment without parole, a practice that the Alabama legislature and Governor Ivey banned in 2017. Like approximately 30 others still on death row as a result of judicial override, Kenneth Smith was not granted the benefit of that reform, and we look to the state legislature to adopt a bill that would render the practice retroactive. It is shameful that Governor Ivey did not act to grant Kenneth Smith’s jury’s decision and halt his execution �� but she still has a chance to use her powerful pen and strike out the death penalty for those still on death row."Thursday9:30 p.m. - Kenneth Eugene Smith's spiritual advisor and anti-death penalty activists held a news conference.8:45 p.m. - The Alabama Department of Corrections provided details of what happened during the execution and the Sennett family spoke.Video below: Family of victim speaks after execution8:45 p.m.- Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released the following statement:"Justice has been served. Tonight, Kenneth Smith was put to death for the heinous act he committed over 35 years ago: the murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett, an innocent woman who was by all accounts a godly wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a beloved pillar of her community.I ask the people of Alabama to join me in praying for Elizabeth’s family and friends, that they might now better be able to find long-awaited peace and closure."8:30 - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey confirms that Kenneth Smith has been executed by nitrogen hypoxia, the first U.S. execution of its kind.“After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes. ... I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss,�� said Gov. Ivey.Smith's time of death was 8:25 p.m.The execution took about 22 minutes, and Smith appeared to remain conscious for several minutes. For at least two minutes, he appeared to shake and writhe on the gurney, sometimes pulling against the restraints. That was followed by several minutes of heavy breathing, until breathing was no longer perceptible.In a final statement, Smith said: “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards. ... I’m leaving with love, peace and light.”He made the “I love you sign�� with his hands toward family members who were witnesses. “Thank you for supporting me. Love, love all of you,�� Smith said.6:55 p.m. - Witnesses of the execution have been called to the chamber.6:52 p.m. - The Supreme Court has denied Smith's final appeal, according to officials and media present at the execution.6 p.m. - The state awaits the Supreme Court's decision on a last-minute appeal made by Smith. If they rule against him, Governor Kay Ivey would be the only person able to stop the execution from going forward.4 p.m. - At this point, Smith is no longer allowed to consume clear liquids.2:15 p.m. - A statement was released from the PR firm on behalf of Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood, who will be with Kenneth Smith when he is executed."The eyes of the world are on this impending moral apocalypse," the statement said. "Our prayer is that people will not turn their heads. We simply cannot normalize the suffocation of each other." 10 a.m. - This was the deadline for Smith to finish eating his final meal. He reportedly ate a T-bone steak, hash browns, toast and eggs slathered in A1 steak sauce, according to the Associated Press. He is allowed clear liquids until 4 p.m.5 a.m. - Protesters are expected to be at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility throughout the day to demonstrate against the execution.12 a.m. - The execution window for the state of Alabama is open.Related

ATMORE, Ala. —

Contract killer Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed by nitrogen hypoxia on Thursday, Jan. 25.

This was the first execution of its kind, and a method Smith's attorneys referred to as "experimental." It has been admonished by the United Nations and other organizations around the country.��

>> Everything you need to know: Alabama's nitrogen hypoxia execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith

“The execution was lawfully carried out by nitrogen hypoxia, the method previously requested by Mr. Smith as an alternative to lethal injection. At long last, Mr. Smith got what he asked for, and this case can finally be put to rest," said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey following the execution.

Video below: Full news conference after execution

Live Updates

The most recent updates are at the top.

Friday

10 a.m. - Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall spoke in Montgomery about the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith.

“Alabama has done it and now so can you," Marshall said to governors of other states.

He said nothing that happened during the execution that was contrary to the expertise that was filed before it happened. This was in response to the filings that Smith would be unconscious in seconds when it was reported that took minutes during the execution.

Marshall said there are expected to be at least 43 more executions using this method in Alabama, as this is what the death row inmates have chosen.

Watch the full news conference below.

9:45 a.m. - Amnesty International released a statement condemning the execution of Kenneth Smith and calling for a moratorium to the death penalty.

“The death penalty is a violation of human rights, and we condemn the cruel execution of Kenneth Smith in Alabama," said researcher Justin Mazzola with Amnesty International in a statement on behalf of the organization. "It’s shameful that Governor Ivey decided to proceed and take Kenneth Smith’s life, including because of the many concerns in his case as well as the alarm raised by UN experts on the new, untested execution method.

“This new and untested method follows several botched attempts at executions by lethal injection in Alabama, including a previously botched attempt to execute Kenneth Smith a mere 14 months ago.

“The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and accounts of Kenneth Smith’s last moments simply show that there is no humane way to take someone’s life. It is high time for those in power to stop trying to fix the failed experiment that is the death penalty. Instead, they should devote all resources and focus on alternatives that would more effectively address crime at its roots and protect human rights. We call on the Alabama authorities to immediately establish a moratorium on all executions as a first critical step towards abolition.

“The systemic flaws in Alabama’s death penalty system, which also tainted Kenneth Smith’s case, do not end with this execution. Among others, his death sentence was imposed after a judge overrode the decision of the jury for life imprisonment without parole, a practice that the Alabama legislature and Governor Ivey banned in 2017. Like approximately 30 others still on death row as a result of judicial override, Kenneth Smith was not granted the benefit of that reform, and we look to the state legislature to adopt a bill that would render the practice retroactive. It is shameful that Governor Ivey did not act to grant Kenneth Smith’s jury’s decision and halt his execution �� but she still has a chance to use her powerful pen and strike out the death penalty for those still on death row."

Thursday

9:30 p.m. - Kenneth Eugene Smith's spiritual advisor and anti-death penalty activists held a news conference.

8:45 p.m. - The Alabama Department of Corrections provided details of what happened during the execution and the Sennett family spoke.

Video below: Family of victim speaks after execution

8:45 p.m.- Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released the following statement:

"Justice has been served. Tonight, Kenneth Smith was put to death for the heinous act he committed over 35 years ago: the murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett, an innocent woman who was by all accounts a godly wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a beloved pillar of her community.

I ask the people of Alabama to join me in praying for Elizabeth’s family and friends, that they might now better be able to find long-awaited peace and closure."

8:30 - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey confirms that Kenneth Smith has been executed by nitrogen hypoxia, the first U.S. execution of its kind.

“After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes. ... I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss,�� said Gov. Ivey.

Smith's time of death was 8:25 p.m.

The execution took about 22 minutes, and Smith appeared to remain conscious for several minutes. For at least two minutes, he appeared to shake and writhe on the gurney, sometimes pulling against the restraints. That was followed by several minutes of heavy breathing, until breathing was no longer perceptible.

In a final statement, Smith said: “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards. ... I’m leaving with love, peace and light.��

He made the “I love you sign�� with his hands toward family members who were witnesses. “Thank you for supporting me. Love, love all of you,�� Smith said.

6:55 p.m. - Witnesses of the execution have been called to the chamber.

6:52 p.m. - The Supreme Court has denied Smith's , according to officials and media present at the execution.

6 p.m. - The state awaits the Supreme Court's decision on a last-minute appeal made by Smith. If they rule against him, Governor Kay Ivey would be the only person able to stop the execution from going forward.

4 p.m. - At this point, Smith is no longer allowed to consume clear liquids.

2:15 p.m. - A statement was released from the PR firm on behalf of Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood, who will be with Kenneth Smith when he is executed.

"The eyes of the world are on this impending moral apocalypse," the statement said. "Our prayer is that people will not turn their heads. We simply cannot normalize the suffocation of each other."

10 a.m. - This was the deadline for Smith to finish eating his final meal. He reportedly ate a T-bone steak, hash browns, toast and eggs slathered in A1 steak sauce, according to the Associated Press. He is allowed clear liquids until 4 p.m.

5 a.m. - Protesters are expected to be at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility throughout the day to demonstrate against the execution.

12 a.m. - The execution window for the state of Alabama is open.