Hoffman's execution marks Louisiana's first in 15 years as well as the Bayou State's first time using nitrogen hypoxia for capital punishment. Alabama was the first state to use the method, as it put Kenneth Eugene Smith to death last year.

Convicted killer Jessie Hoffman Jr. was put to death by nitrogen gas Tuesday night (March 18) in Louisiana’s first state execution since 2010, according to his attorneys. A spokesperson for Hoffman’s attorneys said their client died from nitrogen hypoxia around 7 p.