Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Executes Kendrick Simpson for Double Homicide
2/13/2026, 8:42:43 AM
Execution Details and Background
Kendrick Antonio Simpson, a 45-year-old man from New Orleans, was executed by lethal injection on February 12, 2026, at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. This execution marked the second in the U.S. that week and the first in Oklahoma for the year. Simpson was convicted of the double murder of Glen Palmer, 20, and Anthony Jones, 19, during a drive-by shooting in Oklahoma City on January 15, 2006. The incident followed a confrontation at a nightclub where Simpson felt insulted by comments made about his Chicago Cubs baseball cap.
The Crime
On the night of the shooting, Simpson, armed with an assault rifle, followed Palmer and Jones from a gas station after an altercation at the club. After pursuing them for over three miles, Simpson opened fire, killing both men while a third friend, London Johnson, survived by crouching in the back seat. Simpson's actions were described as deliberate and calculated, with prosecutors stating he fired nearly 20 rounds into the victims' vehicle.
Simpson's Background and Defense
Simpson's life was marked by trauma, having grown up in the violent lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. His attorney, Emma Rolls, argued that Simpson suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to his experiences, including being shot five times in a drive-by shooting in 2004. During his clemency hearing, Simpson expressed remorse, stating, "I'm ashamed of being a murderer," and claimed he was compelled by paranoia at the time of the shooting. However, the Oklahoma Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, characterized Simpson as a "ruthless and violent killer" who showed no mercy to his victims.
Clemency Hearing and Execution
Simpson's clemency request was narrowly denied by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in a 3-2 vote, despite testimonies from family members of the victims and Simpson's claims of personal reform while incarcerated. His attorney argued that the death penalty should be reserved for the "worst of the worst," a sentiment that the board ultimately rejected. Simpson was executed after the U.S. Supreme Court denied a last-minute appeal to block the execution.
Victims' Families' Reactions
Family members of the victims expressed mixed feelings about the execution. Crystal Allison, sister of Glen Palmer, noted her disappointment that Simpson did not apologize during his final moments, stating, "Even on his death bed, he still's smiling." In contrast, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed hope that the execution would provide some measure of peace to the victims' families, emphasizing the tragic loss of young lives.
Broader Context of Executions
Simpson's execution followed a significant increase in executions across the U.S., particularly in Florida, which executed 19 inmates in 2025, a record for the state. The political climate, particularly under pro-death penalty leadership, has contributed to this surge. Simpson's case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty, mental health, and the complexities surrounding violent crime and redemption.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm ashamed of my actions. I'm ashamed of the destruction my actions caused. I'm ashamed of being a murderer.” — Kendrick Simpson
- “ "Justice has been served for Glen Palmer and Anthony Jones.” — Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General
- “The murder of my brother sent my family's whole world crashing,” — Teleasha Jones, sister of Anthony Jones
Simpson's execution reflects the contentious nature of capital punishment in America, raising questions about justice, mercy, and the potential for rehabilitation.
