Oklahoma Man Executed for 2006 Drive-By Shooting Killings

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Kendrick Simpson, 45, was executed on Thursday in Oklahoma for the 2006 drive-by shooting deaths of two men, Anthony Jones and Glen Palmer, after a dispute at an Oklahoma City nightclub. Simpson had fled to Oklahoma City from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and admitted to the killings, apologizing to the victims' families. Despite his apology, the state's Pardon and Parole Board denied him clemency, and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a last-minute appeal to block the execution.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around the death penalty, particularly for crimes involving mental health issues or trauma. Simpson's attorneys argued he suffered from PTSD stemming from his upbringing in a New Orleans housing project, raising questions about whether the death penalty should be reserved for the "worst of the worst" offenders.

The details

On the night of the killings in January 2006, prosecutors say Simpson had placed an assault rifle in the trunk of a vehicle and followed Palmer and Jones from a nearby gas station after an altercation at the club. Simpson then allegedly pointed the gun out the window and fired about 20 rounds into their car, fatally shooting both victims multiple times.

• On January 2006, the drive-by shooting killings occurred.
• On February 12, 2026, Kendrick Simpson was executed for the 2006 murders.

What’s next

The state of Oklahoma carried out Kendrick Simpson's execution on February 12, 2026 as scheduled.