Alan Miller, 59, shook and trembled on gurney after becoming second person to be executed by controversial technique

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.

  • Apytele@sh.itjust.works
    38·
    6 hours ago

    They’re not doing it correctly to be used as euthenasia. You need:

    a) a person without COPD, chronic bronchitis, or any other disorder that has swapped their drive to breathe away from increased blood carbon dioxide / acidity and towards oxygen deficiency (fun fact, oxygen deficiency isn’t what drives most people to breathe).

    b) a cooperative person who can follow instructions to breathe out fully then take 2-3 full deep breaths

    c) a nonrebreather mask which is a special mask with an outlet valve so that when they breathe out that air with all the carbon dioxide is vented while the nitrogen continues being pumped in. (Edit: This is if they’re alone in a room or somewhere with excellent ventilation, or the nitrogen would be vented as well after a certain point and could harm the observers, that’s why the sarcopod is a pod).

    Sounds like they’re fine on A, but not doing B or C.