The families have expressed mixed emotions following the state's first execution in 15 years and shared memories from the hours leading up to Hoffman's death.

After weeks of legal maneuvers to delay Jessie Hoffman's execution, including a last-minute appeal denial from the U.S. Supreme Court, his death came at 6:50 p.m. -- nearly 20 minutes after nitrogen gas was administered to him.

With Hoffman’s execution, Louisiana joins Alabama as the only other state in the U.S. to use the controversial gas method on a person condemned to death.