McALESTER, Okla. (AP) — Kendrick Simpson, who admitted to killing two men in a drive-by shooting in 2006, was executed on Thursday, becoming Oklahoma's first execution of the year. The 45-year-old was pronounced dead at 10:19 CT after a three-drug injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Simpson had been convicted of killing Anthony Jones, 19, and Glen Palmer, 20, by firing into their car following an altercation at an Oklahoma City nightclub.
Simpson, who fled New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, expressed remorse during a clemency hearing, stating, “I apologize for murdering your sons.” Despite his apologies, the five-member Pardon and Parole Board voted narrowly to deny clemency. The U.S. Supreme Court also rejected a last-minute appeal to stop the execution.
Prosecutors conveyed that Simpson had shot at the victims’ vehicle approximately 20 times. Some families supported the execution; Palmer's sister demanded accountability: “He made the choice for him so I stand here today to make the choice for my family.” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond called Simpson a “ruthless and violent killer.”
Simpson’s case highlights ongoing discussions about the death penalty and mental health defenses, as his attorneys argued he suffered from PTSD due to a traumatic childhood. Despite compelling testimony, the execution proceeded as the state used a three-drug method including midazolam, vecuronium bromide, and potassium chloride to carry out the death sentence.
execution, legal proceedings, justice, Oklahoma, Kendrick Simpson
Simpson, who fled New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, expressed remorse during a clemency hearing, stating, “I apologize for murdering your sons.” Despite his apologies, the five-member Pardon and Parole Board voted narrowly to deny clemency. The U.S. Supreme Court also rejected a last-minute appeal to stop the execution.
Prosecutors conveyed that Simpson had shot at the victims’ vehicle approximately 20 times. Some families supported the execution; Palmer's sister demanded accountability: “He made the choice for him so I stand here today to make the choice for my family.” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond called Simpson a “ruthless and violent killer.”
Simpson’s case highlights ongoing discussions about the death penalty and mental health defenses, as his attorneys argued he suffered from PTSD due to a traumatic childhood. Despite compelling testimony, the execution proceeded as the state used a three-drug method including midazolam, vecuronium bromide, and potassium chloride to carry out the death sentence.
execution, legal proceedings, justice, Oklahoma, Kendrick Simpson
