Alabama carries out first American execution by Nitrogen Hypoxia

ATMORE, Ala. (WDHN) — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has confirmed that death row inmate, Kenneth Eugene Smith’s execution was carried out tonight. Saying in a statement:

“On March 18, 1988, 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett’s life was brutally taken from her by Kenneth Eugene Smith. After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes.

“The execution was lawfully carried out by nitrogen hypoxia, the method previously requested by Mr. Smith as an alternative to lethal injection. At long last, Mr. Smith got what he asked for, and this case can finally be put to rest.

“I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss.” – Governor Kay Ivey

The Governor’s office says Smith’s time of death was 8:25 p.m.

Smith was charged for the murder-for-hire-killing of Elizabeth Dorelene Sennett in Colbert County in 1988. Court records show Smith says he was paid $1,000 for the killing by the victim’s husband, Colbert County minister Charles Sennett Sr.

Documents say the county coroner testified that Elizabeth Sennett was stabbed eight times in the chest and once on each side of the neck. She also has numerous other abrasions and cuts.

Charles Sennett killed himself before facing charges.

Smith was initially convicted of capital murder in 1989 and the jury, at the time, recommended he be sentenced to death but that conviction was overturned on appeal. He was retried and convicted of capital murder again in 1996.

A jury recommended Smith be sentenced to life in prison in an 11-1 vote, but the judge in the case overrode the decision and sentenced him to death.

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