Alabama set to conduct nation's second ever Nitrogen gas execution

This Thursday, Alabama is poised to carry out its second execution using nitrogen gas, a method still under scrutiny for its humaneness. 

Alan Eugene Miller, 59, convicted for the 1999 workplace murders of Lee Holdbrooks, Christopher Scott Yancy, and Terry Jarvis, is slated for execution at a state prison in southern Alabama. 

The procedure, which involves replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen, has sparked a fierce debate following the first execution of its kind in January, where the inmate exhibited distressing physical reactions.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall insists the nitrogen hypoxia method is both "reliable and humane." 

However, the disturbing account from the first execution, where the inmate experienced severe spasms, has led to calls for a more thorough review before its continued use.

Critics, including John Palombi of the Federal Defenders Program, argue that proceeding with further executions without addressing the observed issues lacks transparency and does not reflect a government operating with openness.

The upcoming execution is part of an unusual surge in death penalty applications in Alabama, with five inmates scheduled for execution within a single week, challenging the national trend of declining death penalty usage. 

The case of Miller, a former delivery truck driver, highlights the complex discussions around capital punishment, mental health defenses in court, and the evolving nature of execution methods.

Despite previous difficulties in administering lethal injection due to technical challenges with Miller’s IV line, the state has resolved to use nitrogen gas. 

Last month, Miller ended his lawsuit challenging the execution method after an undisclosed settlement was reached, which reportedly included demands for procedural adjustments like the use of medical-grade nitrogen and pre-execution sedatives.