McALESTER, Okla. — On Thursday, Oklahoma carried out its first execution of the year, putting to death Kendrick Simpson, a man who admitted to killing two young men in a drive-by shooting in 2006. Simpson, 45, was pronounced dead at 10:19 PM after receiving a three-drug injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. He was convicted of shooting Anthony Jones, 19, and Glen Palmer, 20, after a confrontation at a nightclub in Oklahoma City.
Simpson's attorneys argued that he suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder due to a traumatic upbringing in a New Orleans housing project, claiming he was not the 'worst of the worst' deserving the death penalty. Nevertheless, the Pardon and Parole Board voted narrowly against his clemency request, led by testimony from victims' family members who expressed their desire for justice.
During a clemency hearing, Simpson expressed remorse, stating, 'I apologize for murdering your sons. I don’t make any excuses. They didn’t deserve what happened to them.'
Simpson began his life of crime after fleeing New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina, which significantly shaped his troubled background. On the night of the incident in January 2006, he followed Jones and Palmer from a gas station and fired an estimated 20 rounds into their car, resulting in both fatalities.
The controversy surrounding his execution has reignited discussions about the ethical implications of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving mental health issues. Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina have shown similar patterns of execution, reflecting broader societal themes surrounding justice and accountability.
With ongoing debates about the appropriate use of capital punishment, the case emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of mental health in judicial decisions.
