Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Set to Execute Kendrick Simpson for 2006 Double Killing
2/12/2026, 3:55:00 PM
Overview of the Execution
Oklahoma is preparing to execute Kendrick Simpson, 45, who was convicted of a drive-by shooting that resulted in the deaths of two men, Anthony Jones and Glen Palmer, in January 2006. The execution is scheduled for February 12, 2026, marking the first execution of the year in Oklahoma and the second in the United States. Simpson's actions followed an altercation at a nightclub in Oklahoma City, where he reportedly fired approximately 20 rounds into a vehicle occupied by Jones and Palmer after pursuing them from a gas station.
Background of the Case
Simpson relocated to Oklahoma City from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. During a clemency hearing, he admitted to the killings and expressed remorse, stating, “I apologize for murdering your sons. I don't make any excuses.” His attorneys argued that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder due to a traumatic childhood, asserting that the death penalty should be reserved for the most egregious offenses. Despite these claims, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted narrowly against granting clemency.
Family Perspectives and Official Responses
The families of the victims have expressed strong support for Simpson's execution. Crystal Allison, sister of Glen Palmer, articulated her stance in a letter to the board, stating, “He made the choice for him so I stand here today to make the choice for my family. Yes, we would like to see him executed for what he did — he executed my brother.” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond echoed this sentiment, labeling Simpson a “ruthless and violent killer who hunted his victims without remorse.”
Execution Protocol
Oklahoma's execution protocol involves a three-drug combination: midazolam, vecuronium bromide, and potassium chloride. This method is designed to induce unconsciousness, paralysis, and ultimately cardiac arrest. Simpson's execution is part of a broader trend in the U.S., where Florida has recently conducted multiple executions, leading the nation with a total of 19 in 2025.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the details surrounding the execution and the case are clear, there are discrepancies regarding the broader context of capital punishment in the U.S. For instance, Florida's execution of Ronald Palmer Heath on February 10, 2026, was noted as the most recent prior execution, but the total number of executions across states in 2025 varies among sources.
What's Next
As Simpson's execution date approaches, it remains to be seen whether any last-minute appeals will be filed. The case highlights ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty in the United States, particularly regarding its application in cases involving mental health issues and the perspectives of victims' families.
