Alabama is set to carry out its second nitrogen gas execution, sparking debate over the humaneness of the method. Alan Eugene Miller, convicted of killing three men in a workplace shooting in 1999, is scheduled to be executed with nitrogen gas. This comes after the first nitrogen execution in January left some questioning the constitutionality of the method as the inmate experienced spasms and gasping for air.
Alabama officials defend the nitrogen hypoxia system as reliable and humane, despite the concerns raised by death penalty opponents and advocates. They argue that the state should reassess the method before proceeding with more executions. With five death row inmates scheduled for execution in one week, the state faces criticism for the rapid pace of carrying out death sentences.
Miller, a delivery truck driver, was convicted of the brutal shootings that shocked the city of Pelham. Initially pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, he later withdrew the plea and was sentenced to death. Despite facing previous challenges with lethal injection, Miller agreed to the nitrogen gas execution after reaching a settlement with the state.
As the debate over the humaneness of nitrogen gas executions continues, advocates are urging Governor Kay Ivey to halt the execution. With a third nitrogen execution scheduled for November, the state faces more scrutiny over its use of this controversial method. The outcome of Miller’s execution may impact the future of nitrogen gas as an execution method in Alabama.
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Photo credit aldailynews.com
