State plans to carry out first judicial killing in 15 years on Tuesday using technique critics call inhumane

Summary

Louisiana is set to execute Jessie Hoffman by nitrogen gas on Tuesday, becoming the second state to use this method despite banning it for euthanizing cats and dogs under state law.

Lawyers argue the method constitutes cruel punishment, citing four recent Alabama executions where prisoners showed distress signs including violent shaking and convulsions.

Louisiana veterinarian Lee Capone, who helped ban animal gassing in the state, called Hoffman’s planned execution “horrific.”

A federal judge’s temporary stay was overturned Friday by the fifth circuit court. Three major nitrogen manufacturers have blocked their products from being used in executions.

  • Dasus@lemmy.world
    3·
    10 hours ago

    I would much prefer the long drop if the alternative was suffocation by nitrogen.

    The stupid thing here is I think costcutting. Change the nitrogen into nitrogen oxide and you should have problems with people getting anxious.

    But yeah death penalties are bullshit and I’m against them