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Oklahoma to carry out first execution of 2026 on Kendrick Simpson
Opponents of the death penalty are speaking out with vigils and protests planned across the state
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The State of Oklahoma is set to carry out its first execution of the year on Thursday morning. Kendrick Simpson is scheduled to be executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester for the 2006 shooting deaths of Glen Palmer and Anthony Jones. Last month, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 against clemency. As the execution draws near, opponents of the death penalty are speaking out with vigils and protests planned across the state.
Why it matters
This case has reignited the debate around the death penalty in Oklahoma, with advocates raising concerns about mental health, the fairness of the trial process, and whether jurors had a full picture before imposing a death sentence. They are urging Governor Kevin Stitt to grant clemency before the execution moves forward.
The details
Prosecutors say Simpson fired more than 20 rounds into a car, killing the two victims and injuring a third. Simpson's execution is scheduled for just after 10 a.m. on Thursday unless a court order or executive action delays it. Vigils and protests are planned across the state, including a prayer vigil outside the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester and at the governor's mansion.
- Kendrick Simpson is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
- Last month, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 against clemency for Simpson.
The players
Kendrick Simpson
A man scheduled to be executed by the State of Oklahoma for the 2006 shooting deaths of Glen Palmer and Anthony Jones.
Glen Palmer
One of the victims killed in the 2006 shooting.
Anthony Jones
One of the victims killed in the 2006 shooting.
Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board
The board that voted 3-2 against clemency for Kendrick Simpson last month.
Governor Kevin Stitt
The governor of Oklahoma who advocates are urging to grant clemency to Kendrick Simpson before the execution moves forward.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow a stay of execution for Kendrick Simpson.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty in Oklahoma, with advocates arguing for reforms to the system rather than carrying out executions. The outcome will likely have broader implications for the state's approach to capital punishment.
