The family of Elizbeth Sennett said it was “bittersweet” when one of her killers was executed Thursday night by the state of Alabama.

“Nothing happened here today that’s going to bring Mom back,” Sennett’s son, Mike Sennett, told reporters following the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith by nitrogen hypoxia at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore.

“It’s kind of a bittersweet day. We’re not going to be jumping around, hootin’ and hollering ‘hooray’ and all that, that’s not us,” Mike Sennett said. “We’re glad this day is over.”

Smith became the first Death Row inmate in the country to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia, which involved fitting a mask over Smith’s head and pumping nitrogen gas into the device.

Smith had been on death row more than three decades for participating in the murder-for-hire plot of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett in her home in Colbert County in 1988. Sennett was a pastor’s wife who was beaten and stabbed. Smith confessed to his role in the crime after the slaying, and court records show he was paid about $1,000 for killing Elizabeth Sennett.

Mike Sennett, who spoke on behalf of his entire family, suggested Smith’s execution was justifiable.

“The Bible says evil deeds have consequences — and Kenneth smith made some bad decisions 35 years ago — and his debt was paid tonight,” he said.”

“Some of you may have heard us talk about over and over about 35 years, 35 years,” he continued.

“Elizbaeth Dorlene Thorne Sennett got her justice tonight.”