Alabama executes Carey Dale Grayson using nitrogen gas for 1994 murder

Alabama executed Carey Dale Grayson, 50, on Thursday evening using nitrogen gas for the 1994 murder of Vickie Deblieux. This marks Alabama's third execution by this method. Grayson was the only member of his group still facing a death sentence. Grayson declined breakfast and lunch but requested a seafood platter and soft tacos for his final meal. His attorneys attempted to halt the execution, arguing the nitrogen method could cause unconstitutional pain, but the U.S. Supreme Court denied their request. The nitrogen gas method replaces breathable air with pure nitrogen, leading to death by oxygen deprivation. Critics have raised concerns about its effectiveness, citing previous executions where inmates showed signs of distress. A judge recently ruled against a legal challenge to this method.