Alabama death row inmate Carey Dale Grayson, aged 50, was executed by nitrogen gas, becoming the third inmate in the U.S. to receive this controversial method of execution. Grayson was convicted of the torture, bludgeoning, and mutilation of Vickie Lynn DeBlieux in 1994. He was pronounced dead at 6:33 p.m. after his execution in Alabama.
Republican Governor Kay Ivey expressed that the execution was nothing compared to the suffering DeBlieux experienced. Grayson’s daughter, Jodi DeBlieux Haley, spoke at a news conference following the execution, reflecting on her mother and how the loss has affected her life.
Grayson’s last words were hostile, and he made obscene gestures before his microphone was turned off and the execution process began. During the execution, Grayson appeared to struggle against his restraints and lost consciousness six minutes after the gas began flowing. His last meal included soft tacos, beef burritos, chips, guacamole, and Mountain Dew Blast.
Grayson and three other teens picked up DeBlieux while she was hitchhiking and proceeded to beat, stomp, and kill her. The group mutilated her body, an act which eventually led to their arrest. While Haley has experienced significant loss, she condemns the death penalty, believing it to be state-sanctioned homicide.
Grayson had a history of mental illness and experienced a traumatic childhood, with court records indicating he was in a manic state during the murder. His execution by nitrogen gas has drawn criticism as a potentially torturous method, with previous executions using this method resulting in prolonged suffering.
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