Witnesses said that Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, appeared conscious for several minutes into the procedure as he was executed for the 1988 contract killing of Elizabeth Sennett. His body then convulsed violently and his breathing grew laboured, and he was pronounced dead after 22 minutes.
At the start, following a final meal of steak with hash browns, Smith gestured “I love you” towards family members present in the execution chamber. “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards,” he said in a final statement. “I’m leaving with love, peace and light.”
But Alabama governor Kay Ivey said Smith had got what he deserved for stabbing dead Mrs Sennett, 45, allegedly on the orders of her husband.
This story is from the January 26, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the January 26, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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