Alabama Executes Geoffrey West by Nitrogen Gas for 1997 Murder

Alabama executed Geoffrey Todd West, 50, on Thursday evening at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility, employing nitrogen gas as the method of execution. West was convicted of the 1997 murder of 33-year-old Margaret Parrish Berry during a gas station robbery in Etowah County. This execution marks the state's sixth use of nitrogen gas since its adoption as an alternative to lethal injection in 2024.

Prior to the execution, West declined to make a final statement when prompted by the warden. However, in a written statement provided by his attorney, he expressed remorse: "I have apologized privately to the family of Margaret Parrish Berry, and am humbled by the forgiveness her son, Will, has extended." He also mentioned his recent baptism in the Catholic Church and stated he was "at peace because I know where I am going."

The execution commenced at approximately 5:56 p.m. West, strapped to a gurney with a gas mask covering his face, exhibited visible movements during the initial minutes, including head rocking and clenched fists. He was pronounced dead at 6:22 p.m.

Will Berry, the victim's son, had previously urged Governor Kay Ivey to commute West's sentence to life imprisonment, emphasizing that another death would not aid his family's healing. Despite this plea, Governor Ivey proceeded with the execution, stating: "Almost 30 years ago, Margaret Parrish Berry went to work at the convenience store, but she would never get to return home. Geoffrey West went in with the intent to rob and kill, and he cowardly shot Ms. Berry in the back of the head."

Alabama's use of nitrogen gas for executions has been a subject of debate. The method involves replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen, leading to death by oxygen deprivation. While state officials assert that the process is humane and efficient, critics have raised concerns about its efficacy and potential for causing undue suffering. Media witnesses have reported visible physical reactions during previous executions using this method.

The execution of Geoffrey West underscores the ongoing discussions surrounding capital punishment methods and the ethical considerations they entail.