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.

  • SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    3·
    23 hours ago

    I’ve had it happen to me, unintentionally. I worked in a retail store with a helium tank for inflating balloons. We thought it was the height of comedy to take a breath of helium when we did our overhead announcements. I decided to make a long announcement, so I exhaled as much as possible and took a deep breath of helium. The next thing I remember, I’m on the ground, my head hurts, and people are asking me if I’m okay. Apparently I made it about three steps before collapsing. I have no recollection of walking or passing out.