Alabama executed Demetrius Terrance Frazier on Thursday, marking the fourth time the controversial nitrogen gas method has been used in the U.S. since Alabama introduced it in 2024. Frazier, convicted for the 1991 murder of Pauline Brown, was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. CT. His execution reignites debates about nitrogen hypoxia as a form of capital punishment, with supporters claiming it is effective while opponents argue it is cruel.
Who Was Demetrius Terrance Frazier?
Demetrius Frazier was sentenced to death for the brutal murder of Pauline Brown, a 41-year-old mother of two. Brown was attacked in her Birmingham apartment just before Thanksgiving in 1991. Evidence showed that Frazier broke in, stole money, sexually assaulted Brown, and then fatally shot her.
Frazier later admitted to the crime while being interrogated for another case in Detroit in 1992. He had already been convicted of other violent crimes, including the murder of 14-year-old Crystal Kendrick in Michigan.
Frazier’s Last Words and Final Meal
Before his execution, Frazier addressed the victim’s family, saying:
“I want to apologize to the family and friends of Pauline Brown. What happened to her should have never happened.”
His final statement ended with:
“Detroit strong. I love everyone on Death Row. Let’s go.”
For his last meal, Frazier requested burritos, a chicken chalupa, chips and dip, and Mountain Dew.
The Execution Process Using Nitrogen Hypoxia
Frazier was executed using nitrogen hypoxia, a method where the inmate breathes pure nitrogen through a mask. This process displaces oxygen, leading to suffocation. Alabama first used this method in January 2024 to execute Kenneth Eugene Smith.
What Happened During the Execution?
Witnesses described Frazier’s reaction to the nitrogen gas:
- He initially moved his hands in a circular motion.
- His breathing became heavier, and he twitched and quivered.
- He appeared to struggle for air, clenching his face muscles and tensing his body.
- About eight minutes after the gas started flowing, all movement stopped.
While Alabama officials claim the method is humane, critics argue that the process appears painful and disturbing.
Controversy Over Nitrogen Hypoxia
The nitrogen gas method has faced criticism from human rights activists and legal experts. Opponents believe it is largely untested and could amount to torture.
Rev. Jeff Hood, a spiritual advisor for Death Row inmates, described a previous execution by nitrogen hypoxia as “horrific,” stating that the inmate thrashed and gasped for several minutes.
However, Alabama officials defended the process, with Attorney General Steve Marshall stating:
“The Alabama Department of Corrections has now carried out four executions by nitrogen hypoxia, which has proven to be both constitutional and effective.”
Governor Kay Ivey also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing the law, emphasizing that justice was served for Pauline Brown and her family.
Pauline Brown: The Victim Remembered
Pauline Brown was a hardworking mother who spent over 18 years as a cook at Bama Foods. Her friends and family described her as a kind and dedicated woman who loved her children and enjoyed watching television after work.
Her murder devastated those who knew her, and her daughter, Phyllis Denise, continues to honor her memory. In a 2021 Facebook post, she wished her mother a happy heavenly birthday, calling her “beautiful mommie Pauline Starks Brown.”
Frazier’s Troubled Past
Frazier grew up in a difficult environment filled with neglect, abuse, and poverty. Raised by his mother without paternal support, he was involved in criminal activities from a young age.
Before Brown’s murder, Frazier had committed violent crimes, including the rape of a woman in Detroit in 1991. In 1992, he was convicted of murdering 14-year-old Crystal Kendrick. He served a life sentence in Michigan before being transferred to Alabama in 2011.
The execution of Demetrius Terrance Frazier by nitrogen gas has once again sparked debate over capital punishment methods. While Alabama officials defend the practice as legal and effective, critics argue that it is inhumane. Frazier’s death marks another chapter in the ongoing discussion about justice, punishment, and the ethical implications of the death penalty in America.
