Details of Kenneth Smith’s execution with nitrogen gas are revealed

• Details of Kenneth Smith’s execution.
• He did not die right away.
• He’s the first inmate to be executed using nitrogen gas.

Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, was executed in Alabama using pure nitrogen gas, marking a milestone in the state’s penitentiary system.

Smith, convicted of murdering Elizabeth Sennett, criticized the state for what he described as «a step backward for humanity» in his final moments.

Smith was declared dead at 8:25 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, after receiving a dose of nitrogen gas through a face mask.

Now, one of Elizabeth Sennett’s sons is reacts to the execution.

Kenneth Smith’s execution by nitrogen gas in Alabama

Despite official’s expectations that he would quickly lose consciousness, Smith remained alert for several minutes after the gas was administered.

According to The Sun, various witnesses said he was shaking and writhing on the gurney.

«Kenny begins to violently shake against the straps that are holding him. That violent shaking lasts for about four or five minutes,» wrote journalist Lee Hedgepeth.

«I’ve witnessed five executions in Alabama. Four of them lethal injection. One with nitrogen, and this was the most violent execution I have ever seen,» he said.

The victim’s family was present

Elizabeth Sennett’s children expressed their desire for justice and relief after the execution.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey stated that the execution brought justice to the Sennett family after decades of waiting.

«Nothing happened here today that’s gonna bring mom back,» said Mike Sennet, the victim’s son, at a press conference after the execution.

«We’re glad this is over … Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett got her justice tonight,» he added.

Governor Kay Ivey spoke afterwards

Governor Ivey said, «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,» she added.

Hedgepeth, the journalist present during the execution, called it the most violent he has witnessed.

Smith’s wife, Deanna, one of the few people present, cried and pleaded for him as he struggled against the restraints.

Kenneth Eugene Smith’s final hours

Kenneth Smith, who spent time with his family and his spiritual advisor, Reverend Jeff Hood, before his execution, was frightened during his final hours and was unable to eat most of his meals.

His last meal was a T-bone steak, potato croquettes, toast and eggs with A1 sauce from Waffle House, although Smith could not eat most of it.

Earlier in the day, he refused to eat his last breakfast, consisting of eggs, biscuits, grape jelly, applesauce and orange juice.

Prison officials ordered Smith to only drink clear liquids from 4 p.m. until his death.

Reflections and conclusions after the execution

Reverend Jeff Hood, denounced the execution as «repugnant,» highlighting the convict’s struggle during his final moments.

«A great evil was unleashed on the state of Alabama tonight,» said Reverend Jeff Hood. «He is terrified of the torture that could come,» he told The Associated Press.

Kenneth Smith’s execution marks a historic event in Alabama and sparks debates about the methods of implementing the death penalty.

While the victim’s family seeks closure, the circumstances of the execution raise questions about the humanity of the judicial system, according to The Sun.