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.

Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman Jr. by nitrogen gas Tuesday night, becoming the second state to ever use the new method. Newsweek reached out to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections via email for comment.