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McAlester Today
By the People, for the People
Oklahoma Carries Out First Execution of 2026
Kendrick Simpson admitted to killing two men in a 2006 drive-by shooting
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Kendrick Simpson, 45, was executed by lethal injection on Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Simpson was convicted of killing Anthony Jones, 19, and Glen Palmer, 20, in a 2006 drive-by shooting in Oklahoma City following an altercation at a nightclub. Despite his apology and claims of suffering from PTSD, the state's Pardon and Parole Board voted to deny Simpson clemency.
Why it matters
Oklahoma has faced scrutiny over its use of the death penalty in recent years, with concerns raised about the state's execution protocols and the potential for wrongful convictions. This execution marks the first of 2026 for the state, reigniting debates around capital punishment.
The details
Prosecutors said that on the night of the killings in January 2006, Simpson had placed an assault rifle in the trunk of a vehicle that he and his friends drove to a club in northwest Oklahoma City. After an altercation at the club between Simpson and Palmer, Simpson and his friends followed Palmer and Jones from a nearby gas station, and Simpson pointed the gun out the window and fired about 20 rounds into their car, killing both victims.
- On January 2006, Simpson killed Anthony Jones, 19, and Glen Palmer, 20, in a drive-by shooting in Oklahoma City.
- On February 12, 2026, Simpson was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.
The players
Kendrick Simpson
A 45-year-old man who admitted to killing two men in a 2006 drive-by shooting in Oklahoma City.
Anthony Jones
A 19-year-old man who was killed in the 2006 drive-by shooting.
Glen Palmer
A 20-year-old man who was killed in the 2006 drive-by shooting.
Crystal Allison
The sister of victim Glen Palmer, who wrote a letter to the Pardon and Parole Board supporting Simpson's execution.
What they’re saying
“I apologize for murdering your sons. I don't make any excuses. I don't blame others, and they didn't deserve what happened to them.”
— Kendrick Simpson (Newser)
“Do I believe this man should live and be able to breathe and take out the rest of his life behind a cell? 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.”
— Crystal Allison, Sister of victim Glen Palmer (Newser)
What’s next
The execution marks the first of 2026 for Oklahoma, reigniting debates around the state's use of capital punishment.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding the death penalty in Oklahoma, with concerns about execution protocols, potential wrongful convictions, and the impact on victims' families.
