An individual on death row, who had maintained his innocence for over three decades regarding a murder, was executed today for the crime. Anthony Boyd, aged 54, proclaimed his innocence until the end, stating “I didn’t kill anybody. I didn’t participate in killing anybody,” as he faced execution by nitrogen gas at an Alabama prison. Despite his pleas and requests to meet with the state’s governor, Boyd was put to death on Thursday.
Boyd was found guilty of being involved in the burning alive of Gregory Huguley in 1993 over a drug debt of $200 (£150). He spent the subsequent 30 years on death row at the William C Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama.
Moments before the lethal gas was administered, Boyd reiterated his innocence and criticized the justice system, expressing love to those still advocating for change. Boyd’s physical reactions during the execution indicated distress, with him clenching his fist, lifting his head, and eventually ceasing all movements.
Alabama’s use of nitrogen gas for executions has sparked controversy since its implementation last year. The state’s Corrections Commissioner, John Hamm, present during Boyd’s execution, criticized the method, calling it the “worst one yet” and questioning the competence of execution procedures.
Boyd had preferred a firing squad execution, which was denied, and had hoped for a meeting with Alabama’s governor, Kay Ivey, which did not materialize before his death. Despite Boyd’s recent pleas to reverse the sentence, the Alabama Attorney General affirmed the state’s commitment to upholding the law and providing justice for victims and their families.
The court heard that Boyd was involved in tying up Mr. Huguley before he was set on fire by another individual over the drug dispute. Although Boyd claimed he was at a party during the incident, the jury’s 10-2 decision found him guilty, leading to his death sentence.
Alabama’s Attorney General defended the execution, stating that Boyd had not provided any evidence over the years to refute the jury’s decision.
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