Louisiana Conducts First Nitrogen Gas Execution of Jessie Hoffman Jr.

Louiana executed Jessie Hoffman Jr. via nitrogen gas on March 18, 2025, marking its first nitrogen execution after a long hiatus. Convicted for the 1996 murder of Mary “Molly” Elliott, Hoffman showed involuntary movements during the execution, yet officials called it ‘flawless.’ This event also highlights the increasing use of nitrogen gas in executions, following a trend initiated by Alabama.

Louisiana has executed Jessie Hoffman Jr. using nitrogen gas, marking the state’s first use of this execution method as it resumes capital punishment after a 15-year break. Hoffman, 46, was convicted of the 1996 murder of Mary “Molly” Elliott, a 28-year-old advertising executive. The execution, which occurred on March 18, 2025, was reported to take 19 minutes and was described by officials as ‘flawless.’

Witness accounts noted that Hoffman exhibited involuntary movements during the execution, which reporters described as ‘clinical’ and ‘procedural.’ He declined to make a final statement or request a last meal prior to his death. Hoffman’s case was part of a broader context in which nitrogen gas was used in five executions across the United States, with more set for that week.

Hoffman was arrested at age 18, having spent much of his adult life in prison. His attorneys attempted to halt the execution through various appeals, arguing that nitrogen deprivation might violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court declined to intervene.

The execution protocol involved strapping Hoffman to a gurney and administering pure nitrogen gas through a mask, causing a lack of oxygen. Witnesses reported discomforting movements before his death at 6:50 PM, despite assurances from officials that the method was painless.

Nitrogen gas was first employed as an execution method in Alabama, with Louisiana’s adoption following expansions to their execution methods. As states continue to face public scrutiny and legal challenges about capital punishment, Louisiana signals a renewed commitment to resuming executions. The Attorney General remarked on the importance of achieving justice for victims’ families.

The execution of Jessie Hoffman Jr. utilizing nitrogen gas represents a pivotal moment in Louisiana’s capital punishment practices. Despite controversies regarding the method and appeals from Hoffman’s defense team, Louisiana’s execution signifies a definitive resumption of the death penalty after years of hiatus. As states such as Alabama lead in the adoption of nitrogen hypoxia, the execution underscores ongoing debates surrounding capital punishment in the United States.

Original Source: apnews.com