Special to the News
Last Thursday evening, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the state of Alabama the ability to execute death row inmate Jeffery Lee by nitrogen hypoxia, the protocol he initially selected in 2018.
The Court did not overturn Lee’s death sentence, thus allowing the state to reschedule his execution on a future date.
Gov. Kay Ivey issued the following comment, “Jeffery Lee was convicted and sentenced to death for the December 1998 murder-robbery of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson in Dallas County. While I am disappointed the Supreme Court did not allow the state to proceed with Lee’s chosen method of execution, I remain committed to ensuring that justice is ultimately served for his victims.”
Attorney General Steve Marshall also released a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision denying the state the ability to execute Lee by nitrogen hypoxia.
“Tonight’s ruling is a miscarriage of justice, not for us, but for Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson, who Jeffery Lee brutally and senselessly murdered and left on the floor of their place of business. Tonight I am also keeping their families in mind, many of whom were prepared to witness the final act of justice be served.
“I want their families to know that we will never stop seeking justice for Jimmy and Elaine. The State is prepared to do whatever is necessary to see Mr. Lee’s lawful sentence carried out.”
