Baton Rouge: Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman Jr., 46, on Tuesday using nitrogen gas, marking its first execution in 15 years.
This is the second U.S. state to use nitrogen gas for capital punishment, with Alabama being the first.
Hoffman was convicted of murdering Mary “Molly” Elliott, a 28-year-old advertising executive, in New Orleans in 1996.
Officials reported that the execution lasted 19 minutes, with nitrogen flowing until his heart stopped.
One witness said Hoffman convulsed during the process, while officials described the execution as “flawless.”
Legal Challenges
Hoffman’s attorneys argued nitrogen gas violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
They also claimed the method interfered with Hoffman’s Buddhist breathing and meditation rituals.
A temporary restraining order delayed the execution but expired Tuesday morning after a court hearing.
A federal judge initially blocked the execution, but an appeals court reversed that decision.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene, rejecting Hoffman’s final appeal in a 5-4 vote.
Official Statements
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry defended the execution, stating society cannot tolerate heinous acts of violence.
“If you commit serious crimes in this state, it will cost you your life,” Landry said.
Attorney General Liz Murrill expects at least four more executions in Louisiana this year.
State officials insist nitrogen hypoxia is painless, though witnesses in Alabama reported visible distress in past executions.
Louisiana expanded its death penalty methods last year to include nitrogen hypoxia and electrocution.
Execution Procedure
Hoffman was strapped to a gurney, and a tight respirator mask was placed over his face.
Pure nitrogen gas was pumped into the mask, causing oxygen deprivation leading to death.
The protocol required gas administration for at least 15 minutes or five minutes after a flatline on the EKG.
Authorities stated this execution followed the same procedures used in Alabama.
Alabama executed Kenneth Eugene Smith in 2024 using nitrogen hypoxia, marking its first use in the U.S.
Opposition and Protests
A small group of protesters gathered outside Louisiana State Penitentiary, holding a vigil.
Some distributed prayer cards featuring Hoffman’s photo and planned a Buddhist reading.
The Death Penalty Information Center reports that only four states authorize execution by nitrogen gas.
Mississippi and Oklahoma also allow nitrogen executions, but they have yet to use the method.
Lethal injection remains legal but has declined due to drug shortages and legal battles.
Declining Use
The number of U.S. executions has dropped over the years due to legal challenges and reduced public support.
Most states have either abolished or paused capital punishment in recent decades.
Hoffman’s execution was the seventh in the United States in 2025.
Alabama remains the only other state with an active nitrogen execution protocol.
Louisiana’s decision to proceed with executions could revive debates over capital punishment methods.
