Alabama Executes Demetrius Frazier Using Nitrogen Gas

On February 6, 2025, Alabama executed Demetrius Terrence Frazier by nitrogen gas for the 1991 rape and murder of Pauline Brown in Birmingham. This marks the state's fourth use of nitrogen hypoxia since it began employing the method in 2024. Frazier, 52, was pronounced dead at 6:36 PM after expressing remorse in his final statement and criticizing Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for not intervening in his case. Witnesses reported that Frazier struggled to breathe during the execution, echoing concerns from critics who argue that nitrogen gas use constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall defended the execution, asserting it serves justice for Brown's family and the community. The method continues to be controversial, with debates surrounding its humaneness ongoing.