Kendrick Simpson has spent 19 years on death row for the murders of Glen Palmer and Anthony Jones following a fight at a nightclub.
Prosecutors said Simpson followed the victims for three miles after they left the club and fired about 20 shots from an AK-style rifle into their car, killing Palmer and Jones. The victims’ best friend, London Johnson, survived the shooting.
During a clemency hearing last month, Simpson apologized to the victims’ families and accepted responsibility for the crime. He asked for mercy, telling board members he is not a monster. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency.
Family members of the victims said justice feels closer after nearly two decades. Palmer’s sister, Crystal Palmer, told the board Simpson was a monster the night of the shooting and was looking to take someone’s life.
Johnson told board members he continues to live with trauma after watching his two friends die.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond released a statement after the clemency hearing, calling Simpson a ruthless and violent killer. Drummond said he is grateful the victims’ families will finally see justice.
The execution is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Kendrick Simpson
