CRIME & LAW

Alabama Nitrogen Execution Draws Renewed Scrutiny

Alabama executed Anthony Boyd, 54, with nitrogen gas Thursday night for the 1993 killing of Gregory Huguley, prompting fresh scrutiny of the method. Witnesses said Boyd convulsed and gasped for roughly 15 minutes, with one counting more than 225 breaths, before he was pronounced dead about 15 minutes later. His spiritual adviser said he appeared to suffocate for 19 minutes. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt the execution; Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by two colleagues, called nitrogen hypoxia a “cruel” practice. State officials said the protocol was followed.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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