The son of the victim of Alabama prisoner Kenneth Smith, who was executed for murder, has said he forgives his mum's killer.
Kenneth Smith became the first-ever inmate to be killed by nitrogen gas in Alabama, with his official time of death recorded at 20:25 on Thursday, 25 of January.
Smith was one of two men convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire of a preacher's wife, Elizabeth Sennett. After the execution, Elizabeth's son Mike Sennett, joined by his brother Chuck, said: "Nothing happened here today that's going to bring Mom back. It's kind of a bittersweet day. We're not going to be jumping around, hooting 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. Not today but we have in the past. Some people may not believe that, you know, how do you forgive somebody. Well, in an effort to be more Christ-like, try to live his teachings and stuff, it is my duty and it is a weight off my shoulders."
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Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed by nitrogen gas (BBC /ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS)
Elizabeth Sennett, 45, was found dead on March 18, 1988, in the couple's home in Alabama's Colbert County (Find a Grave)"I forgive him, I forgive him what he done, I don't like what he done but they are forgiven from us. The Bible says evil deeds have consequences - and Kenneth Smith made some bad decisions 35 years ago - and his debt was paid tonight."
"Some of you may have heard us talk about over and over about 35 years, 35 years. 35 years - Kenneth Smith, Parker, Williams - Williams not so much because he died in the system, but Parker and Smith have been incarcerated almost twice as long as I knew my mom. Elizabeth Dorlene Thorne Sennett got her justice tonight."
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Just before the lethal gas was given, Smith spoke and made loving signs towards his family who were watching from behind a glass window. In his last words, he said: "Tonight Alabama caused humanity to take a step backward. I am leaving with love, peace and light - thank you for supporting me. I love all of you."
Elizabeth Sennett's grave following her 1988 murder (Find a Grave)He also made an 'I love you' sign in sign-language with his hands which he directed towards his family while facing them. Authorities described how he appeared conscious for several minutes into the execution., before shaking and writhing on a gurney for two minutes followed by "several' minutes of deep breaths before dying."
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Smith was scheduled for execution in a 30-hour window starting just after midnight on Thursday, January 25, for his part in a murder-for-hire plot of a pastor's wife. Having had his share of life-threatening experiences, Smith was understandably concerned about what lies ahead.
Elizabeth Sennett's son, Charles (pictured) was 25 years old in 1988 when his mother was killed (WAAYTV)He expressed his fears in writing, saying: "I am worried that we have told Alabama that these risks could happen - will happen - just like we warned them last year. And they will do nothing to prevent these dangers from happening." Smith's own attorneys have said the state was looking to make him the "test subject" for a novel execution method. Currently, Alabama is just one of three states, along with Oklahoma and Mississippi, that authorizes the use of nitrogen gas in executions.
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