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Alabama Set to Execute Anthony Boyd With Nitrogen After Courts Reject Stays

The method faces constitutional criticism, with no clemency granted by Gov. Kay Ivey.

Overview

  • Boyd’s execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT Thursday at Holman prison in Atmore, using nitrogen hypoxia delivered through a face mask.
  • The Supreme Court denied a last‑minute stay, with the three liberal justices dissenting and describing nitrogen executions as intense psychological torment.
  • Earlier rulings left the sentence in place, as Chief U.S. District Judge Emily Marks held the Eighth Amendment does not guarantee a painless death and the 11th Circuit declined a stay.
  • Boyd maintains his innocence and asked the governor to meet him before the execution; supporters held protests and delivered a clemency petition to the statehouse.
  • A jury convicted Boyd for the 1993 kidnapping and burning death of Gregory Huguley based largely on co‑defendant testimony; nitrogen has been used seven times nationally to date, including six in Alabama, and witnesses have reported visible distress in prior executions.