Carey Dale Grayson, a death row inmate in Alabama, is set to become the third person in the nation to be executed by nitrogen gas. Grayson was convicted of the brutal 1994 murder of Vickie Lynn Deblieux, a hitchhiker, in a crime that involved torture, bludgeoning, and mutilation. Grayson, who has bipolar disorder, was one of four teenagers involved in the murder.
The nitrogen gas method of execution is controversial and has only been used once before in Alabama. The first inmate executed with this method, Kenneth Eugene Smith, appeared to experience distress during the process, leading to criticism. Grayson’s appeal to block the use of the nitrogen protocol was denied by the Alabama Supreme Court. Despite his mental health issues and troubled upbringing, Grayson’s execution is set to proceed unless the U.S. Supreme Court or Governor Kay Ivey intervene.
Grayson and his co-defendants had lured Deblieux off the highway under false pretenses before carrying out the brutal murder. Grayson’s defense argued that the younger teens were the main perpetrators of the crime, but Grayson was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death. The crime shocked the community and resulted in multiple legal proceedings over the years. If executed, Grayson will be the 22nd person in the nation to receive the death penalty this year.
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