Oklahoma executed the perpetrator of a double murder 22 years ago who asked for clemency because “he was on drugs”
Oklahoma Executes Man for Double Murder Despite Proclaiming Innocence In a somber and controversial turn of events,… Michael Dewayne Smith, the perpetrator of a double murder 22 years ago, was executed for the double murder of Janet Moore, 41, and Sharath Pulluru, 22, in Oklahoma City. Despite his innocence and claims of being under the influence of drugs at the time of the murders, the clemency board denied Smith's appeal in a 4-1 vote last month. Smith's execution marks the first in Oklahoma this year and the 12th since the state resumed executions in 2021 following a lengthy pause due to implementation issues. The circumstances surrounding Smith's case and his innocence have raised questions about the efficacy and fairness of the criminal justice system in cases of capital punishment.
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Publié : il y a un mois par admin dans General
In a somber and controversial turn of events, Oklahoma carried out the execution of Michael Dewayne Smith, 41, for the double murder of Janet Moore, 41, and Sharath Pulluru, 22, more than two decades ago in Oklahoma City. Smith, who was given a lethal injection on Thursday, maintained his innocence until the very end, expressing his “deepest apologies and regret to the families” of the victims, but denied any involvement in the heinous crimes.
Smith’s execution marks the first in Oklahoma this year and the 12th since the state resumed executions in 2021 following a lengthy pause due to implementation issues. Despite his pleas of innocence and assertions of being under the influence of drugs at the time of the murders, the clemency board denied Smith’s appeal in a 4-1 vote last month.
Prosecutors painted Smith as a ruthless gang member who committed the murders in acts of revenge, alleging that he confessed to the crimes to police and other individuals. They claimed that Moore was killed because Smith believed she had disclosed his son’s whereabouts to authorities, while Pulluru was targeted for allegedly disrespecting Smith’s gang in an interview with a reporter.
Smith’s attorney, Mark Henricksen, argued that his client has an intellectual disability compounded by years of substance abuse and should have been spared the death penalty. Henricksen contended that Smith’s confession was made under the influence of drugs and lacked factual support for key details.
In a last-ditch effort to prevent Smith’s execution, his family submitted a petition to the governor alleging coercion of witnesses during trial proceedings. However, despite mounting pressure and new evidence coming to light, Smith’s lawyer declined to file further appeals, prompting Smith to demand intervention to save his life.
The execution, which took place at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester at 10 a.m., has sparked debate and renewed calls for the reconsideration of the death penalty in the state. The circumstances surrounding Smith’s case and his continued claims of innocence have raised questions about the efficacy and fairness of the criminal justice system in cases of capital punishment.
As Oklahoma grapples with the aftermath of Smith’s execution, the families of the victims and Smith alike are left to wrestle with unresolved questions and the lingering specter of doubt in a case marked by tragedy and disputed claims of culpability.
Les sujets: Crime, Murder