Demetrius Frazier, 52, was executed on Thursday evening in Alabama, marking the country’s fourth execution using nitrogen gas. Convicted of murdering 19-year-old Pauline Brown after breaking into her apartment in 1991, Frazier also had a previous life sentence for the murder of a teenage girl in Michigan. In his final words, he apologized to Brown’s family and expressed love for other death row inmates, while also criticizing Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for not intervening in his case.
The execution process involved placing a mask on Frazier and replacing breathable air with nitrogen gas, leading to his death. He exhibited some movements during the procedure, but corrections officials stated he likely lost consciousness quickly. Despite concerns raised by defense attorneys about the execution method, a federal judge refused to block it, stating no evidence of excessive distress was presented.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey affirmed that justice was served for Brown and her loved ones. Witnesses from Brown’s family attended the execution but did not speak to the media afterward. Frazier had his last meal from Taco Bell earlier in the day.
Source link
