Alabama is set to carry out its third execution using nitrogen gas, a method that has sparked debate among critics who argue that it requires further scrutiny before being employed in capital punishment. Carey Dale Grayson, convicted of the 1994 killing of Vickie Deblieux, is scheduled for execution on Thursday using the nitrogen gas method recently adopted by Alabama. This technique involves placing a respirator gas mask over the inmate's face to replace breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, leading to death by oxygen deprivation.
The 11th U.S. Court of Appeals heard arguments on Monday regarding a request to halt Grayson's execution. Lawyers presented differing perspectives on the state's nitrogen gas protocol, with concerns raised about the potential for the inmate to experience unconstitutional levels of physical and mental pain during the process.
