Innocence Project on the Scheduled Execution of Kenneth Smith in Alabama

Today, the state of Alabama is scheduled to conduct an execution via nitrogen hypoxia, a method that has never been used on a human being and is prohibited for the euthanasia of animals. This is Alabama’s second attempt to execute Kenneth Smith, who survived a botched lethal injection just 14 months ago. The Innocence Project – whose mission is to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions and create fair, compassionate and equitable systems of justice for everyone – currently represents multiple individuals under sentence of death. Because more than 3,000 innocent people have been wrongfully convicted and exonerated in the United States, including almost 200 who were sentenced to death; because it is likely that innocent people have been executed; and because no person should be subjected to torture, we condemn Alabama’s use of this untested method of execution. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of Elizabeth Sennett and Kenneth Smith.