Execution Marks First 2026 Death in Oklahoma

Kendrick Simpson, 45, was pronounced dead at 10:19 CT after a three‑drug injection in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. He had been convicted for killing two men in a drive‑by shooting back in 2006, an act that began with a fight at an Oklahoma City nightclub.

The Crime

• Origins: Simpson and friends drove to the club in a vehicle with an assault rifle hidden in its trunk.
• Conflict: After a quarrel with Glen Palmer, the group chased Palmer and Anthony Jones from a nearby gas station.
• Fatal Shots: Simpson fired about 20 rounds into the car housing both victims, killing them instantly.

Background

• Simpson fled to Oklahoma City from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
• He later admitted guilt during a clemency hearing, apologized to the families and a survivor, but made no excuses.

Legal Proceedings

• Pardon & Parole Board: Five‑member board narrowly denied clemency.
• Supreme Court: Declined to halt the execution after a last‑minute appeal was rejected.
• Defense Argument: Lawyers cited posttraumatic stress disorder from a traumatic childhood in New Orleans’ housing projects, arguing the death penalty should be reserved for the most severe offenders.

Public Reaction

• Victim Families: Largely supported execution. Palmer’s sister, Crystal Allison, urged punishment for Simpson.
• Attorney General: Gentner Drummond praised the board’s decision, labeling Simpson a ruthless killer with no remorse.

Context

The execution followed Florida’s record of 19 executions in 2025, the highest nationwide. Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas each carried out five executions that year.