26 January 2024 , 03:31
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Death row prisoner Kenneth Smith uttered just a few haunting final words before being executed by nitrogen gas execution.
Moments before the toxic gas was administered, Smith spoke and gestured towards a crowd watching from a room behind a glass window, and gestured loving signs to his family. In his final statement, he said: "Tonight Alabama caused humanity to take a step backward. I am leaving with love, peace and light - thank you for supporting me. I love all of you."
He also made an 'I love you' sign in sign-language with his hands which he directed towards his family while facing them. Authorities described how he appeared conscious for several minutes into the execution., before shaking and writhing on a gurney for two minutes followed by "several' minutes of deep breaths before dying.
READ MORE: Kenneth Smith: Everything we know about Death row con facing 'human experiment' execution
Smith struggled against restraints and held his breath for as long as possible, officials said (AFP via Getty Images)Smith was scheduled for execution in a 30-hour window starting just after midnight on Thursday, January 25, for his part in a murder-for-hire plot of a pastor's wife. Having had his share of life-threatening experiences, Smith was understandably concerned about what lies ahead.
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He expressed his fears in writing, saying: "I am worried that we have told Alabama that these risks could happen - will happen - just like we warned them last year. And they will do nothing to prevent these dangers from happening." Smith's own attorneys have said the state was looking to make him the "test subject" for a novel execution method. Currently, Alabama is just one of three states, along with Oklahoma and Mississippi, that authorizes the use of nitrogen gas in executions.
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Elizabeth Sennett, 45, was found dead on March 18, 1988 (Find a Grave)
Smith died at 20:25 on Thursday, January 25 becoming the first prisoner to be executed with nitrogen gas (Alabama Department of Corrections)We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and videos on this breaking news story.
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