Hoffman's execution marks Louisiana's first in 15 years as well as the Bayou State's first time using nitrogen hypoxia for capital punishment. Alabama was the first state to use the method, as it put Kenneth Eugene Smith to death last year.

Jessie Hoffman Jr., 46, was declared dead shortly after 7 p.m. after he inhaled the lethal gas through a fitted full-faced respirator mask while strapped to a gurney.