Inmate Challenges New Execution Method A Louisiana prisoner is fighting to block his upcoming execution by nitrogen gas.
Execution Date is Set
Jessie Hoffman Jr. is currently on death row in Louisiana. He faces execution on March 18 for the 1996 murder of Molly Elliott. This will be the first execution in the state in 15 years. However, Hoffman recently filed a federal complaint to stop the process.
Concerns Over Nitrogen Gas
Hoffman has expressed deep concerns about the use of nitrogen hypoxia. This method forces prisoners to breathe pure nitrogen gas until they suffocate. Only four states have authorized this type of execution. Meanwhile, Hoffman would be the first person in Louisiana to die this way.
Lawyers Demand More Data
Attorney Cecelia Kappel says the protocol is completely untested. She claims the state has refused to share full information about the method.
“Louisiana’s nitrogen gas protocol is completely untested and no court has had a chance to review it.”
Then, she added that the execution is only three weeks away.
Comparing State Protocols
State officials say the protocol is nearly identical to Alabama. Alabama has used this method four times so far. Still, Hoffman argues the secret protocol violates his rights. He also filed a clemency application after serving nearly 30 years in prison. Later, a court must decide if his execution can proceed.