Louisiana to use nitrogen execution method it bans for cats and dogs

State plans to carry out first judicial killing in 15 years on Tuesday using technique critics call inhumane

Louisiana is preparing to carry out its first execution in 15 years using a gassing method that is banned under the state's own laws for euthanizing cats and dogs.

Barring a last-minute intervention by the US supreme court, Jessie Hoffman, 46, is scheduled to die by nitrogen gas on Tuesday at Louisiana state penitentiary, commonly known as Angola prison. He was sentenced to death for the 1996 rape and murder of an advertising executive, Mary Elliott.