Kenneth Smith: Nitrogen, Alabama’s Inert Executioner, Claims First Victim

On Thursday evening, Alabama executed a convicted murderer via nitrogen gas after the U.S. Supreme Court decided to demur from an emergency stay.

Historically, a man set to pay for his crimes had to fear the presence of something — abrupt lead poisoning, a rope, or a chemical cocktail — that would ultimately usher him before the eternal judge. But in this case, nitrogen — which comprises 78 percent of the air we breathe — was increased to 99 percent by way of a mask affixed to Kenneth Smith’s face. The nitrogen, which displaces oxygen, subsequently suffocated the condemned man. This was Alabama’s second attempt to execute Smith after having failed to do so through lethal injection in 2022. Smith was convicted of killing in 1988 one Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett, the wife of a pastor, at the pastor’s behest.

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

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On Thursday evening, Alabama executed a convicted murderer via nitrogen gas after the U.S. Supreme Court decided to demur from an emergency stay.

Historically, a man set to pay for his crimes had to fear the presence of something — abrupt lead poisoning, a rope, or a chemical cocktail — that would ultimately usher him before the eternal judge. But in this case, nitrogen — which comprises 78 percent of the air we breathe — was increased to 99 percent by way of a mask affixed to Kenneth Smith’s face. The nitrogen, which displaces oxygen, subsequently suffocated the condemned man. This was Alabama’s second attempt to execute Smith after having failed to do so through lethal injection in 2022. Smith was convicted of killing in 1988 one Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett, the wife of a pastor, at the pastor’s behest.