Alan Miller, 59, second person in US to be executed via controversial technique, shook and trembled on gurney

Alan Miller shook and trembled on gurney after becoming second person to be executed by controversial technique

Alabama has carried out the second execution in the US using the controversial method of nitrogen gas, an experimental technique for humans that veterinarians have deemed unacceptable in the US and Europe for the euthanasia of most animals.

Alan Eugene Miller, 59, was pronounced dead on Thursday evening at a south Alabama prison. The lethal method involves being strapped to a gurney, where a respirator mask is applied to the face and pure nitrogen piped in. The resulting oxygen deprivation will cause death by asphyxia.

Miller shook and trembled on the gurney for about two minutes with his body at times pulling against the restraints, followed by about six minutes of gasping breathing, according to the Associated Press.

Miller’s death is the latest in an extraordinary week in the US in which five condemned men in five states are set to be killed over six days. Three prisoners have already been executed – on Friday South Carolina killed Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah in its first execution in 13 years, then on Tuesday Texas killed Travis Mullis and Missouri put to death Marcellus Williams.

  • hperrin@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 months ago

    If we’re going to kill people, which we shouldn’t, why not be humane about it and use a firing squad?

    • SirDerpy@lemmy.world
      0·
      2 months ago

      Because that disturbs the comfort of a complacent society. Nothing about the US judicial and prison system is humane.

    • explodicle@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      There is no humane way, they all fuck up. Most people who actually support the death penalty want recipients to suffer.

      • hperrin@lemmy.world
        0·
        2 months ago

        Agreed, but firing squad seems to be the closest to humane.

        The executed died quickly, and the executors don’t know for certain that they had a bullet.

        • mosiacmango@lemm.ee
          0·
          2 months ago

          I think they found extreme PTSD in the executioners that used that method.

          You don’t know if you killed them or not, a lot of times. That will gnaw at people who aren’t okay with killing, especially in such a cold and sterile way.

          Plus, it isn’t always quick.

        • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
          0·
          2 months ago

          I would say guillotine would be closest. Even an entire squad shooting at you could potentially miss your heart.

          • funkless_eck@sh.itjust.works
            0·
            2 months ago

            Due to blood being produced I believe that’s disqualified. Otherwise a .22 caliber bullet followed instantly by a .22 hollow point to both the brain and the heart simultaneously would be the fastest and most humane experience for the victim.

            However, very few people want to build and operate such a contraption.

              • funkless_eck@sh.itjust.works
                0·
                2 months ago

                the best answer I can find is that the Olympic committee protested that it would affect whether the Olympics would accept attendance in that city if they allowed it, maybe someone can do a deeper dive.