Louisiana has executed Jessie Hoffman Jr, marking the state’s first use of nitrogen gas for an execution and its first execution in 15 years. Hoffman, aged 46, was pronounced dead after a process described by officials as “flawless,” lasting 19 minutes. This execution was the result of Hoffman’s conviction for the 1995 murder of Mary “Molly” Elliott, an advertising executive, when he was just 18 years old.
The use of nitrogen hypoxia—wherein pure nitrogen gas is administered to induce death by depriving the body of oxygen—has previously been employed only in Alabama. Mental challenges against the execution were made by Hoffman’s lawyers, who argued that the method violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment and constitutionally protected rights to practice Buddhism. These arguments were dismissed by state officials, who assert that the method is painless.
Despite attempts by Hoffman’s legal team to seek intervention from the Supreme Court, the court voted 5-4 against halting the execution. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has indicated that further executions will follow throughout the year, and state officials have emphasised the necessity of delivering justice to victims’ families after a lengthy pause caused by difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs.
The execution process entailed strapping Hoffman to a gurney, with a full-face mask fitted to ensure the administration of nitrogen gas. This method of execution was officially incorporated into Louisiana’s protocol last year in a move to reinstate capital punishment within the state. The increase in executions also comes amidst a nationwide downturn in capital punishment due to legal challenges and declining public support.
Protests occurred outside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, featuring vigils led by opponents of the death penalty, some of whom shared prayers and readings in Hoffman’s memory. The recent execution and the shift towards nitrogen hypoxia underscore the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding capital punishment in contemporary society.