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.

    • Billiam
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      312 months ago

      Yes, but if they did that, the prisoner wouldn’t suffer!

      • @Viking_Hippie
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        232 months ago

        Yes, if the prisoner would just calmly participate in being murdered, everyone would be much more comfortable!

      • Diplomjodler
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        162 months ago

        No, the cruelty is the point, as per standard procedure. The people who do this sort of shit enjoy killing people and the fucked up US “justice” system lets them do it legally.

    • @Asifall
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      62 months ago

      So does B make this basically a non-starter? Seems like you’re never going to get someone to cooperate with this (not that I blame them).

      • @captainlezbian
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        52 months ago

        Yep. It’s fine for euthanasia but humane execution is impossible because of the extreme drive to survive in humans.

        • @NotMyOldRedditName
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          52 months ago

          So the problem being they’re probably holding their breath which keeps the c02 in which causes the panic and fighting.