The protocol calls for the inmate to be
strapped to a gurney and fitted with a
mask and a breathing tube the mask is meant to
administer 100% pure nitrogen depriving
the person of oxygen until they die
although 78% of the air humans breathe
is made up of nitrogen if the concentration of
nitrogen is too high and of oxygen too low the
body’s organs are deprived of oxygen
which they need to function and begin
shutting down causing a person to die Smith
shook and writhed for two minutes on
Thursday night as his mask filled up with
gas witnesses said the convicted killer is
said to have remained conscious breathing
heavily and gasping for a further eight minutes as
his sons and wife watched on
“Tonight, Alabama causes humanity to
take a step backwards,” Smith
said in his final words “I’m leaving with
love, peace, and light thank you
for supporting
me. Love all of you.”
Smith was not pronounced
dead until 8.25pm
22 minutes
after the gas
was first
administered.
James McLaughlin