Montgomery, AL – In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s clearance for the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, Governor Kay Ivey chose not to intervene using her clemency powers. Instead, she instructed Corrections Commissioner John Hamm to move forward with the lawful execution of Smith for the 1988 capital murder of Elizabeth Sennett.
In a statement released by the Governor’s office, Ivey emphasized the gravity of Smith’s crime, stating, “On March 18, 1988, 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett’s life was brutally taken from her by Kenneth Eugene Smith. After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes.”
The execution was carried out by nitrogen hypoxia, a method previously requested by Smith as an alternative to lethal injection. Governor Ivey highlighted that this execution method aligns with Smith’s own preferences. “At long last, Mr. Smith got what he asked for, and this case can finally be put to rest,” she remarked.
The Governor concluded her statement with a reflection on the impact of the crime on the victim’s family, expressing hope for closure: “I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss.”
Kenneth Eugene Smith was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m., marking the end of a legal process that spanned over three decades.
