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 has used nitrogen gas to put a man to death, marking the first time the state has used that execution method.