A tragic crime from nearly three decades ago is once again making headlines as Alabama prepares to execute Geoffrey Todd West, who was convicted of murdering a convenience store clerk in 1997. Now 49 years old, West is scheduled to die on September 25 by nitrogen gas, a controversial method of execution that has drawn widespread scrutiny. This will mark another chapter in Alabama’s use of nitrogen hypoxia—a technique introduced in 2024 as an alternative to lethal injection.
West’s crime shocked the quiet town of Attalla, Alabama. He had previously worked at Harold’s Chevron, the convenience store where the crime took place. On the day of the incident, West returned with the intent to rob the store, but what unfolded was far more violent than a simple theft.
Margaret Parrish Berry, the 33-year-old clerk on duty, was shot execution-style while lying helpless on the floor. The crime scene, as described in court records, revealed that Berry was shot in the back of the head and left to die behind the store counter. West fled with just $250 from a cookie can, leaving the community in disbelief and mourning.
Authorities quickly identified West as a suspect, and during the trial, the evidence presented painted a grim picture. The jury returned a guilty verdict for capital murder, and by a vote of 10-2, recommended the death penalty. The sentencing judge, William Cardwell, acknowledged the gravity of issuing a death sentence to a young man, but he emphasized the brutal and intentional nature of the killing. In 1999, West was formally sentenced to death.
The Crime, Trial, and Sentencing
The murder of Margaret Berry was not just a local tragedy; it became a stark representation of violent crime in small-town America. Berry was known in her community as a kind and dedicated worker, making her death all the more devastating. According to prosecutors,
West’s familiarity with the store’s layout and operations suggested premeditation. They argued that he used his insider knowledge to plan the robbery, knowing that the store was lightly staffed and that the cash was stored in an unsecured location.
The shooting was carried out with brutal precision. Margaret Berry was compliant during the robbery, lying on the floor as instructed. Nevertheless, West shot her in the back of the head—an act described by the judge as “execution style.” This characterization would heavily influence the outcome of the trial.
A key piece of evidence came from West’s girlfriend, who was also charged in connection with the crime. She pleaded guilty and received a 35-year prison sentence, but her testimony helped prosecutors establish the sequence of events leading to Berry’s death.
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The judge’s comments during sentencing reflected the weight of the decision. Judge William Cardwell noted that sentencing someone to death is never easy, especially someone as young as West was at the time. However, the cold and deliberate nature of the crime left little room for leniency. The overwhelming consensus was that justice demanded the ultimate punishment.
The Controversial Use of Nitrogen Gas
Alabama’s decision to execute Geoffrey Todd West using nitrogen gas puts the state once again in the international spotlight. In 2024, Alabama became the first U.S. state to carry out an execution by nitrogen hypoxia. This method involves placing a face mask on the inmate and flooding it with pure nitrogen, thereby depriving the individual of oxygen until death occurs.
Proponents argue that it is a more humane and painless method compared to lethal injection, which has faced numerous legal and procedural challenges over the years. As of mid-2025, six executions using nitrogen hypoxia have already taken place—five in Alabama and one in Louisiana.
While some states are exploring or adopting the method, it remains highly controversial. Human rights groups, medical professionals, and even the Vatican have condemned it. Critics argue that nitrogen gas is an unproven and potentially torturous form of execution. They point to the lack of clinical testing and the secrecy surrounding execution protocols as causes for serious concern.
Despite the pushback, Alabama has defended the method as a necessary alternative due to the challenges surrounding lethal injection, including drug shortages and botched executions. Governor Kay Ivey has remained a vocal supporter of the state’s right to carry out the death penalty by whatever means deemed constitutional and effective. Her office confirmed that West’s execution is scheduled for September 25, and preparations are underway at Holman Correctional Facility.
A Grim Legacy and the Path Ahead
Geoffrey Todd West is among a group of death row inmates in Alabama who had previously chosen nitrogen gas as their preferred method of execution when it was first authorized by the state. At the time, the details of how the method would be administered were unclear. Many inmates, distrustful of the history of lethal injection in Alabama, opted for nitrogen in hopes that it would be more reliable or even present grounds for appeal.
West’s impending execution will again raise questions about capital punishment in the United States. While public support for the death penalty remains strong in some parts of the country, especially in states like Alabama, opposition is growing. Concerns over wrongful convictions, racial bias, and execution methods continue to fuel debates. Nitrogen hypoxia, in particular, adds a new dimension to the ethical and legal considerations surrounding capital punishment.
In the broader context, West’s case illustrates the complexities of justice. On one hand, the brutal murder of an innocent woman demands accountability and closure for her family. On the other, the method of execution brings up profound questions about the boundaries of humane punishment.
Margaret Berry’s family, having endured over two decades of legal battles and delays, may find a measure of closure in the execution. But for many, especially those watching from outside Alabama, the method of death will be just as important as the verdict that led to it.
As the execution date approaches, legal teams, advocacy groups, and human rights organizations are expected to closely monitor the case. It’s possible that last-minute appeals or stays may be filed, especially if questions arise regarding the procedures or conditions of the execution. However, as of now, the state appears resolved to move forward with its plans.
The death of Margaret Berry remains a painful memory for the people of Attalla. Her name is forever linked to a crime that shook the community and tested the limits of its justice system. While the execution of Geoffrey Todd West may signal the end of a long and tragic story, it will likely also reignite discussions on how America defines justice in the modern age.