Alan Eugene Miller, a man convicted of murdering his coworkers over rumors about his sexuality, is set to be executed with nitrogen gas in Alabama, a method described as “horrific” by witnesses. Miller’s attacks in 1999 left three men dead after he believed one of them had spread rumors about his sexual orientation. Despite a forensic psychiatrist testifying that Miller was mentally ill at the time of the offenses, he was sentenced to death.
Miller is scheduled to be the second man in Alabama to be executed with nitrogen gas, a method that was deemed violent and inhumane during the first execution of Kenneth Smith in January. Witnesses described Smith’s execution as being “the most violent” they had seen with minutes of thrashing and convulsions.
Miller’s attorney filed a federal complaint to prevent the execution, arguing that the method violates the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. The complaint highlighted Miller’s obesity, asthmatic bronchitis, and diabetic condition as factors that could make the execution process more painful and drawn out.
Miller grew up with a history of mental illness in his family, struggled with poverty, and experienced abuse from his father. Despite a nonviolent nature and good employment history, Miller’s actions on the day of the murders led to his conviction and death sentence. The imminent execution has raised concerns about the use of nitrogen gas as a method of capital punishment in the state of Alabama.
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