In a stark contrast between her youth and the grim severity of the protocol surrounding her, 21-year-old Izabel Morena Rodriguez took her final steps toward the platform this morning at the ASTEN Specialized Female Correctional Complex.
The room fell completely silent, broken only by the heavy metallic thud of the viewing chamber’s steel door locking into place. Escorted by an ASTEN officer who towered over her, Rodriguez moved forward with a surprisingly steady gait for someone walking to her execution.
She wore standard correctional attire—a simple, plain white cotton top and matching trousers. Her dark, youthful eyes avoided the witness gallery, where a select group of observers—including journalists, state officials, and a chaplain—waited in the shadows behind a thick pane of glass.
The meticulous nature of the procedure became clear at the base of the elevated concrete platform, where the imposing dark oak electric chair was positioned. As part of the final protocols to ensure proper electrical conductivity and remove any potential interference, an ASTEN officer proceeded with the unshoeing.
Wearing light blue latex gloves, the officer knelt and, with precise, emotionless movements, removed the footwear Rodriguez had worn up to that point. The young woman stood motionless, observing the process without a word. First the right foot, then the left. Both of her small, pale feet were left bare against the cold, unyielding concrete of the platform. The ASTEN officer inspected each foot to confirm there were no obstructions that could compromise the electrical current.
Moments later, her bare feet stepped up to the final tier. With practiced efficiency, the correctional team gathered around the chair. Heavy tanned leather straps were pulled taut with a sharp rustle—first across her chest, then her forearms and wrists, and finally around her ankles, securing her bare feet tightly to the wooden footrests.
The procedure neared its end with the placement of the metallic headpiece and the tightening of the leather chin strap. In the witness gallery, observers held their breath as Izabel, now fully bound within the state’s apparatus of leather and metal, closed her eyes for the last time.
Following the statutory framework for capital punishment, the circuit was energized. A violent tremor passed through her body, bringing an end to her life and carrying out the judicial sentence decreed for her convictions