Louisiana executes Jessie Hoffman for brutal 1996 murder
- Jessie Hoffman was executed in Louisiana using nitrogen hypoxia for the first time, marking the state's first execution in nearly 15 years.
- Hoffman was convicted for the 1996 abduction, rape, and murder of 28-year-old Mary Elliott.
- Officials stated that the execution represented a commitment to justice for victims and a renewed focus on the death penalty.
In Louisiana, the state carried out its first execution in nearly 15 years when Jessie Hoffman was executed on March 19, 2025. Hoffman was convicted for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Mary "Molly" Elliott in 1996. He was pronounced dead at approximately 6:50 p.m. after being administered nitrogen hypoxia, a new method deemed by some as a humane alternative to lethal injection. Hoffman's execution followed a lengthy legal process and various appeals, highlighting the extensive delays that had postponed justice for the victim’s family. The case reignited discussions on the death penalty's application, particularly its recent methods, such as nitrogen hypoxia, which replaced traditional means of execution in Louisiana due to recent legislation. Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the state’s commitment to enforcing the death penalty and prioritizing justice for victims like Elliott, stressing that the execution was fulfillment of legal obligations despite the criticism surrounding it. Hoffman's execution had gained public attention not only for its brutality but for the complexities of his remorse and transformation during incarceration, raising questions about justice, punishment, and the human capacity for change.