Alabama executes first convict through nitrogen gas asphyxiation

The state of Alabama on Thursday executed Kenneth Eugene Smith via nitrogen gas asphyxiation, marking the first use of the execution method, GOP Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed, according to Reuters.

Smith's execution followed the Supreme Court declining on Wednesday to stop the attempt. The state previously attempted to execute Smith in 2022, but abandoned the attempt after failing to secure IV access for the lethal injection.

He was first convicted in 1989 for the murder of Elizabeth Sennett. Pastor Charles Sennett, Elizabeth's husband, had amassed considerable debt and engaged in an extramarital affair. He hired Smith and his associate, John Parker, for $1,000 each to kill his wife.

Lethal injection is the most common form of execution method across the states and the primary method of the federal government, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Some states still permit electrocution, lethal gas, or the firing squad.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.