The son of a woman who was murdered by Kenneth Smith, who Alabama executed by nitrogen gas Thursday night, said while it was a "bittersweet day," the death row inmate had to suffer the consequences for his actions.
Alabama executed Smith, who had been convicted in 1988 for his role in the murder-for-hire killing of Elizabeth Sennett. The state's use of nitrogen gas was a first in the history of the United States.
"Nothing happened here today is gonna bring Mom back," Michael Sennett said after Smith's execution. “We're not gonna be jumping around, whooping and hollering, hooray and all that. That's not us. But we're glad this day is over.”
“All three of the people involved in this case years ago, we have forgiven them. Not today, but we have in the past. Some people may not believe that. How do you forgive somebody? Well, if we're to be more Christ-like, try to live his teachings and stuff, he forgave the ones on the cross, right? ... If I'm trying to live my life like him, it's my duty, and it's weight off my shoulders.”
“I forgive them. I forgive them for what they've done. I don't like what they've done, but they are forgiven from us. The Bible says that evil deeds have consequences and Kenneth Smith made some bad decisions 35 years ago and his debt was paid tonight.”
The case rose to national attention as activists and Smith’s attorneys criticized the use of nitrogen gas in the execution, saying the state had used him as a test subject.
