McAlester, Oklahoma: In a significant development in Oklahoma, the state carried out its first execution of the year by administering lethal injection to a 41-year-old man for the murder of two individuals, including an Indian national back in 2002. The executed man, Michael Dewayne Smith, faced the death penalty for the killings of Indian store clerk Sharath Pulluru and Janet Moore on separate occasions on February 22, 2002, as confirmed by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
Smith’s execution was met with a statement from Drummond expressing gratitude that justice had been served and offering prayers for the families of the victims. Drummond emphasized the impact of the murders on the victims’ loved ones, highlighting the hardships endured over 22 years. The Attorney General also painted a poignant picture of the victims, portraying Sharath as a promising young man with a kind heart and describing the victims as good and decent individuals who did not deserve their tragic fate.
The families of the victims also released statements expressing gratitude for the execution, acknowledging that justice had been served after years of waiting. The Pulluru family remembered Sharath as a beloved member whose untimely death continues to impact their lives daily. Similarly, the Moore family appreciated authorities for pursuing the case tirelessly over the past two decades, recognizing the significance of closure in a long-standing chapter of grief.
Notably, leading up to his execution, Smith remained adamant about new evidence related to his case and appealed to his attorney to fight for his life. His final words before facing lethal injection were brief yet telling, showcasing his resolve in the face of impending death. The execution of Smith marks the 12th in Oklahoma since the state resumed carrying out death penalties in 2021, signaling a somber end to a chapter marred by violent crimes and loss.
Oklahoma’s history with the death penalty has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly following a series of high-profile botched executions that prompted a temporary pause in 2017. The state’s resumption of capital punishment has sparked conversations around the efficacy and ethics of such measures, especially as it prepares to execute a significant number of inmates in the coming years. With 122 executions since 1976, Oklahoma holds the highest number of executions per capita in the United States, raising questions about the state’s approach to justice and punishment.