Louisiana executes convicted murderer Jessie Hoffman Jr. in 19-minute nitrogen gas execution, raising concerns over method

Hoffman’s nitrogen hypoxia execution sparks renewed debate over the death penalty and human rights.

Louisiana carried out its first nitrogen gas execution on Tuesday, putting convicted murderer Jessie Hoffman Jr. to death after nearly three decades on death row. The 46-year-old was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, following a 19-minute execution process.

The execution, conducted via nitrogen hypoxia, was only the fifth in U.S. history and the first in Louisiana. Prison officials described the process as "flawless," but witnesses reported seeing Hoffman twitching and clenching his hands as the gas flowed. According to reports, he took his final visible breath at 6:37 p.m. before the curtains to the execution chamber were closed.

Hoffman was convicted in the 1996 abduction, rape, and murder of 28-year-old advertising executive Mary "Molly" Elliott in New Orleans. His attorneys fought to stop the execution, arguing that nitrogen hypoxia violates the Eighth Amendment’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment. They also claimed it infringed on his religious rights as a Buddhist, as he was unable to practice his breathing meditation in his final moments.

"Mr. Hoffman sincerely believes that he must practice his Buddhist breathing exercises at the critical transition between life and death," his lawyers stated. Despite these pleas, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in a 5-4 decision. His spiritual adviser was present, chanting beside him as he was executed.

Outside the prison, a small group of protesters gathered, holding signs that read, "Let Jessie Live!" and distributing prayer cards featuring Hoffman’s photo. Meanwhile, Molly Elliott’s husband, Andy Elliott, called the execution "bittersweet news," stating, "There is relief that this long nightmare is finally over but also renewed grief for Molly and sadness for Mr. Hoffman’s family, whose nightmare began when mine did."

Despite controversy surrounding the method, Louisiana officials have defended nitrogen executions, claiming they are painless. However, Hoffman’s execution, much like Alabama’s previous use of the method, has reignited debate over the ethics of capital punishment in the United States.