Alabama Executes Death Row Inmate Gregory Hunt via Nitrogen Gas

Gregory Hunt, one of Alabama's longest-serving death row inmates, was executed by nitrogen gas, a controversial new method, for the 1988 murder of Karen Lane. Hunt, who was convicted of capital murder during sexual abuse and burglary, chose nitrogen gas over lethal injection or the electric chair, making him among the six executed by this method in Alabama. Before the execution, Hunt gave no final words but signaled a thumbs-up and peace sign; he showed brief movements and gasping breaths early in the procedure before becoming still. He had appealed his execution, claiming prosecutorial misconduct related to evidence of sexual abuse, but courts dismissed these claims as meritless. Hunt also described himself as not a "typical death row inmate," citing his spirituality and struggles with lack of legal resources while representing himself in court. Alabama officials, including Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall, affirmed the lawfully imposed punishment and Hunt's guilt.