Execution of Jessie Hoffman at Angola: A Detailed Account

Jessie Hoffman’s execution at Louisiana State Penitentiary was notable as the first since 2010. Witnessed by a designated group, including his spiritual adviser, the execution employed nitrogen hypoxia protocol, resulting in Hoffman’s death at 6:50 p.m. The event was marked by silence, a lack of family witnesses, and spiritual rituals.

On Tuesday, the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola witnessed its first execution since 2010. The atmosphere was marked by the presence of seven witnesses, who entered the execution building amidst a fragrant blend of spring flowers and a low chant led by the condemned man’s spiritual adviser in a black robe. At 6:17 p.m., Jessie Hoffman Jr. was seen already strapped to the execution table, covered with a gray blanket and wearing a blue respirator, which obscured most of his face.

Warden Darrel Vannoy addressed Hoffman, asking if he had a last statement, which Hoffman declined, having also refused a last meal. With a slight adjustment to the respirator mask, Vannoy announced, “The state will now carry out the execution of condemned inmate Jessie Hoffman.” The execution protocol involved ultra-high grade nitrogen, which began entering the mask at 6:21 p.m. and lasted for about 19 minutes without a clear signal for its initiation.

By 6:22 p.m., Hoffman’s breathing became uneven, followed by involuntary jerking motions. His body convulsed as he struggled against the constraints of the table, before his movements slowed significantly. Outside, birds chirped in the dusk, contrasting the heavy atmosphere within the witness room. No relatives of the victim attended, and Hoffman’s family and lawyers were denied witnessing the execution.

With his spiritual adviser, the Rev. Reimoku Gregory Smith, present, Hoffman’s condition deteriorated quickly. At 6:26 p.m., his head moved uncomfortably inside the mask, and less than a minute later, he exhibited minimal movement, marking what would be the last signs of life he showed. By 6:38 p.m., as Hoffman’s breathing faded, Smith knelt in contemplation.

After several minutes, the curtains dropped, and rhythmic chanting filled the chamber as part of the spiritual ritual. The process continued for over four minutes before the curtains were lifted once more at 6:52 p.m. Vannoy confirmed the execution’s completion, stating Hoffman’s time of death was 6:50 p.m. With his protective mask removed, Hoffman’s face revealed a grimace, portraying the grim reality of execution.

John Simerman, staff writer for The Times-Picayune | The Advocate, was present as one of the limited media witnesses to this execution.

Jessie Hoffman’s execution at the Louisiana State Penitentiary marked a significant moment in the state’s use of nitrogen hypoxia for capital punishment. Describing the atmosphere and events leading up to and following the execution, the account delineates the emotional weight carried by witnesses and attendees. Hoffman’s last moments, characterized by silence and ritual, highlight the complex nature of capital punishment in contemporary society.

Original Source: www.nola.com