Alabama death row inmate Carey Dale Grayson, who was convicted of the torture, bludgeoning, and mutilation of Vickie Lynn DeBlieux in 1994, became the third inmate in the U.S. to be executed by nitrogen gas. His execution marks the 22nd in the U.S. this year and the sixth in Alabama using this controversial method. Grayson’s last words were defiant and his last meal included soft tacos, beef burritos, and Mountain Dew Blast.
DeBlieux’s daughter, Jodi DeBlieux Haley, talked about the devastating loss of her mother after the execution, emphasizing that her mother’s murder had a significant impact on her life. She expressed opposition to the death penalty, stating that Grayson faced severe abuse as a child and that society failed him. She condemned “state-sanctioned homicide,” calling for an end to executing inmates under the guise of justice.
Grayson, who had bipolar disorder and experienced trauma early in life, was found guilty of participating in DeBlieux’s murder, alongside three other teens. His execution by nitrogen hypoxia, approved for use in Alabama, has faced criticism due to questions of its effectiveness and implications of torture. Despite his involvement in the crime, Grayson’s troubled past and circumstances at the time of the murder have raised concerns about the justice system’s handling of individuals with mental health issues.
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