After 26 years behind bars, a Louisiana Death Row inmate, Jessie Hoffman, finally met his fate with 19 minutes of agony. However, the manner of execution has the Internet divided. The 46-year-old was found guilty of the 1996 murder and rape of Mary Elliot and was given the death penalty. On March 18, Hoffman was executed by nitrogen hypoxia regardless of his plea for “humane” death. He requested a firing squad or a drug cocktail used for physician-assisted death but was denied. The inmate was fastened to a gurney, and a full-face respirator mask was attached to him, forcing him to inhale pure nitrogen gas for 19 minutes. State officials on the scene disclosed that Hoffman showed “convulsive activity” before passing away from oxygen deprivation.
The punishment followed after the convict’s lawyer, Cecelia Kappel, tried to appeal the execution method at the last minute but lost. Per The Guardian, the attorney argued the appeal on religious grounds, saying nitrogen hypoxia was against the prisoners’ Buddhist beliefs. Kappel also criticized the method, calling it unconstitutional. She further noted that the measure would cause the inmate to suffer “psychological terror and a tortuous death.”
Before his execution, the 46-year-old was visited by family. However, he refused to eat a final meal or give a speech.
Meanwhile, Andy Elliot, Mary’s widower, expressed his feelings about Hoffman’s death, calling it “bittersweet news.”
“There is relief that this long nightmare is finally over. But also renewed grief for Molly and sadness for Mr. Hoffman’s family, whose nightmare began when mine did. And who have also had to go through nearly 30 years of this gut-wrenching process through no fault of their own.”
As news of Hoffman’s death went mainstream, it sparked mixed reactions. Some netizens condemned the government for the inhumane death.
“Ok, these Republicans really think they are going to heaven,” this user criticized.“They are the judge and jury according to God.”
A second observer added, “Our country is just as inhumane as any third-world country wrapped up in a bow. “
On the other hand, some users opined that the inmate deserved the manner of death.
“They should either be made to suffer the rest of their life in prison without execution or be hit with a firing squad more than once,” one internet citizen suggested.
“What entitles a murderer and rapist to a humane death?” a third commenter asked.
A fourth person wrote, “So he suffered ‘psychological terror and a tortuous death? I have no sympathy whatsoever for this man.”
Hoffman’s death marks the first execution by nitrogen gas in the state of Louisiana.
