Oklahoma Man Convicted of 2006 Double Killing Scheduled for Execution

Kendrick Simpson apologized for the drive-by shooting deaths but was denied clemency.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Kendrick Simpson, 45, is set to be executed on Thursday in Oklahoma for the 2006 killings of 19-year-old Anthony Jones and 20-year-old Glen Palmer in a drive-by shooting. Simpson apologized for the murders during a clemency hearing last month, but the state's Pardon and Parole Board narrowly voted to deny him clemency. Simpson's attorneys had argued that he suffered from PTSD stemming from trauma in his childhood.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around the death penalty, particularly for offenders who express remorse. It also raises questions about the role of mental health issues and childhood trauma in criminal behavior.

The details

Prosecutors say 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 Oklahoma City. After an altercation at the club between Simpson and one of the victims, Simpson and his friends followed the victims from a nearby gas station, and Simpson fired about 20 rounds into their car, killing both Jones and Palmer.

  • On January 2006, the double killing occurred.
  • Last month, Simpson apologized for the murders during a clemency hearing.
  • On Thursday, Simpson is scheduled to be executed.

The players

Kendrick Simpson

A 45-year-old man convicted of killing two men in a 2006 drive-by shooting in Oklahoma City.

Anthony Jones

A 19-year-old victim killed in the 2006 drive-by shooting.

Glen Palmer

A 20-year-old victim killed in the 2006 drive-by shooting.

Crystal Allison

The sister of victim Glen Palmer, who wrote a letter to the parole board supporting Simpson's execution.

Gentner Drummond

The Oklahoma Attorney General who commended the parole board for denying Simpson clemency, calling him a "ruthless and violent killer."

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What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a late appeal to block Simpson's execution, which is scheduled for Thursday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty, particularly for offenders who express remorse. It also raises questions about the role of mental health issues and childhood trauma in criminal behavior, and whether those factors should be considered in sentencing.