Geoffrey West is scheduled for execution in Alabama on September 25, 2025 for the 1997 murder of Margaret Berry.
Call Gov. Ivey 334-242-7100 with the following message:
“Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to express deep concern that the State of Alabama is moving forward with the execution of Geoffrey West in September. Beyond the concerns we hold regarding the method Alabama has chose to implement starting last year, there are issues in Mr. West’s case – not limited to the Court allowing prosecution to disparage defense counsel and not allowing testimony by expert witnesses. We encourage the State to immediately halt plans to kill Mr. West!”
If carried out, it would be the nation’s eighth execution by nitrogen gas, a method Alabama began using last year as an alternative to lethal injection.
While the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Alabama has continued to go against trend by carrying on with scheduled execution dates. Additionally, the State of Alabama has repeatedly shown blatant incompetence in carrying out executions – they need to pause ALL executions to allow for meaningful review of their protocols.
Concerns in Mr. West’s case:
1. The trial was marred by the Court allowing the prosecutor to disparage, denigrate, and insult defense counsel when he argued to the jury in closing argument that a statement made by defense counsel was ‘part of the fairy tale that y’all have been hearing from the defense side.’
2. Expert witnesses were not allowed to testify.
3. There is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of nitrogen gas for human execution, and the American Veterinary Medical Association advises against its use for most mammals because it can cause panic and distress. We continue to condemn the use of nitrogen hypoxia – it is neither quick nor painless and we believe it constitutes torture or at the least amounts to cruel and unusual punishment which is barred by the U.S. Constitution.
4. Alabama has a duty to carry out executions under the protection of the U.S. Constitution. For this reason we believe there should be a stay of executions to allow for a thorough study of the state’s capital punishment practices in light of the serious objections raised over how it administers the death penalty.
Additional Information and Action Opportunities Regarding Alabama Executions
- Click here for information about Gas Suffocation Executions
- Click here for The Pull Back The Curtains Campaign to Demand Full Transparency in Alabama Executions