A convicted murderer experienced approximately eight minutes of life-ending moments as he was executed in a controversial manner using nitrogen gas.
Alan Miller was observed shaking and convulsing before gasping for breath during his death at a prison in Alabama, USA.
The 59-year-old, secured on a gurney, was also seen struggling against his bindings until he ceased all movement.
He became the second individual in the United States to face execution via this gas.
Miller was found guilty of fatally shooting three men in Pelham, Alabama, in August of 1999.
Authorities previously attempted to execute him via lethal injection in 2022 but had to call it off after personnel failed to locate a vein within the time limit of his original death warrant.
In his last remarks, Miller stated: “I didn’t commit any act to deserve being here.”
He also urged his family and friends to “look after” someone, though the name was indistinct due to the gas mask obscuring his voice.
The inmate was declared dead at 6:38 PM local time on Thursday.
Miller in August 1999 following his apprehension. Pic: AP
The execution, marking the fifth conducted in the US within a week, has reignited discussions regarding the death penalty and the humanity of certain methods involved.
Advocates from organizations like Death Penalty Action have characterized the use of nitrogen gas as “atrocious and torturous.”
Alabama’s attorney general, Steve Marshall, asserted that the execution “proceeded as anticipated and without incident.”
He further stated: “In spite of campaigns inundated with false information from political activists, out-of-state attorneys, and prejudiced media, the state has once again demonstrated that nitrogen hypoxia is both compassionate and effective.”
Death Penalty Action activists demonstrating against the execution earlier this week. Pic: AP
‘Sheer malevolence’
Alabama Corrections Commissioner John Hamm stated: “Everything unfolded precisely as intended and adhered to our established protocols.”
Nevertheless, Lauren Gill, a reporter for the local political publication Bolts, posted on X: “I was a witness to Alabama’s execution of Alan Miller by nitrogen gas tonight. Once more, it did not transpire as state representatives had guaranteed.”
“Miller visibly suffered for approximately two minutes, shaking and wrenching against his restraints. He subsequently spent five to six minutes sporadically gasping for air.”
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Various experts, including those affiliated with the American Veterinary Medical Association, deem the application of nitrogen gas as “inappropriate” for euthanizing most animal species due to the distress it may induce.
Miller, previously a delivery truck driver, murdered two coworkers at Ferguson Enterprises – Lee Holdbrooks, 32, and Christopher Scott Yancy, 28 – during his violent rampage.
He then traveled five miles to his former place of employment, Post Airgas, where he killed Terry Jarvis, 39.
All three victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
A court proceeding revealed that he was suffering from paranoia and believed his coworkers were gossiping about him.
After the execution, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey referred to Miller as “sheer malevolence” and asserted that justice had been “finally accomplished.”
Victims’ family members opted not to witness the execution, as state officials reported, and did not provide any comment afterward.
