Louisiana to Execute Man Utilizing Controversial Nitrogen Fuel Methodology

A Louisiana inmate discovered responsible of raping and murdering a New Orleans lady is scheduled to be the primary individual executed by way of nitrogen fuel in that state in 15 years.

Jessie Hoffman Jr., 46 — who was convicted of the 1996 rape and homicide of Mary “Molly” Elliot — is scheduled to be executed utilizing the controversial methodology of nitrogen hypoxia on the Louisiana State Penitentiary on Tuesday, March 18 regardless of his legal professionals arguing that the strategy is merciless and inhumane, in accordance with The Guardian, Louisiana Luminator and USA Immediately.

U.S. District Courtroom Choose Shelly Dick issued a preliminary injunction stopping Hoffman’s execution on Wednesday, March 12, writing, per NOLA.com, “the stability of equities and public curiosity weigh in favor of enjoining Hoffman’s March 18, 2025 execution by means of nitrogen hypoxia till the matter might be resolved at a trial on the deserves.”

The choose famous that the execution methodology — by which a full-face masks is used to manage pure nitrogen fuel, which prevents the inmate from receiving any oxygen — may violate the Eighth Modification’s prohibition in opposition to merciless and weird punishment, per USA Immediately. She additionally cited latest accounts of executions in Alabama, which is the one state in recent times to hold out executions by way of nitrogen hypoxia, per the outlet.

A number of individuals executed in Alabama confirmed indicators of anguish with the nitrogen hypoxia methodology, together with Kenneth Smith and Alan Miller, who each thrashed violently on the gurney throughout their respective executions in January 2024 and September 2024, The Guardian reported.

Nevertheless, a federal appeals court docket overturned the district choose’s ruling on Friday, March 14. The court docket dominated 2-1 to reverse the preliminary injunction, which gave the go-ahead for the execution by way of nitrogen fuel to proceed, the Louisiana Luminator reported. 

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Pictures of the execution gear on the Louisiana State Penitentiary obtained by The Guardian confirmed a blue masks, which envelops an individual’s complete face, linked to a number of pipes, the place the fuel will enter. Straps and handcuffs may be seen alongside the masks.

The controversial methodology of execution by nitrogen hypoxia within the U.S. has led among the prime nitrogen fuel producers — together with French-owned Airgas — to ban the usage of its product for this objective, the outlet beforehand reported.

Nitrogen hypoxia is even banned underneath Louisiana’s state legal guidelines for euthanizing pets as a result of misery animals expertise earlier than their dying, in accordance with The Guardian. Tips from the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation solely suggest utilizing it if the animal is “already unconscious.”

Main as much as the execution final week, Hoffman’s legal professionals argued that the strategy would give Hoffman “superadded ache and struggling” and violate his constitutional rights, per NBC Information.

Hoffman’s legal professionals argued that the masks used within the process would give Hoffman claustrophobia and worsen his PTSD. In addition they mentioned that it might be a type of psychological torture and that it might “considerably” affect his capability to do Buddhist breath work, the shops reported.

Hoffman himself additionally testified on the listening to and requested that the state use a special methodology to execute him, per NOLA.com.

Hoffman is on dying row for the 1996 abduction, rape, and homicide of 28-year-old Mary “Molly” Elliott. She had been choosing up her automotive at a New Orleans parking storage when Hoffman, who was 18 on the time, kidnapped her at gunpoint earlier than raping and killing her. He was sentenced to dying in 1998.