Tulsa Killer on Death Row Denied Clemency

Raymond Johnson's request for clemency was rejected after nearly two decades on death row.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:22am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered glass jar or broken ceramic shard, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty details of a high-profile murder case.The denial of clemency for a convicted killer exposes the lasting trauma of a brutal double homicide.Today in Tulsa

Raymond Johnson, a 52-year-old man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend Brooke Whitaker and her 7-month-old daughter Kya Whitaker in Tulsa in 2007, was denied clemency by a state panel on Wednesday. Johnson has been on death row for the past 19 years.

Why it matters

The denial of clemency means Johnson will likely be executed for the brutal double murder that shocked the Tulsa community nearly two decades ago. The case has been closely watched as it raises questions about the death penalty, mental health considerations, and whether justice has been fully served.

The details

In June 2007, Raymond Johnson brutally murdered his ex-girlfriend Brooke Whitaker and her infant daughter Kya in their Tulsa home. Johnson was convicted and sentenced to death row for the killings. After nearly 19 years on death row, Johnson's request for clemency was heard and ultimately denied by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday.

  • In June 2007, Johnson murdered Brooke Whitaker and her infant daughter Kya.
  • Johnson was convicted and sentenced to death row in 2007.
  • Johnson has been on death row for the past 19 years.
  • On April 8, 2026, Johnson's request for clemency was denied by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

The players

Raymond Johnson

A 52-year-old man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her infant daughter in Tulsa in 2007. He has been on death row for the past 19 years.

Brooke Whitaker

Raymond Johnson's ex-girlfriend, who was murdered by Johnson in 2007 along with her 7-month-old daughter Kya.

Kya Whitaker

The 7-month-old daughter of Brooke Whitaker, who was also murdered by Raymond Johnson in 2007.

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What they’re saying

“The Pardon and Parole Board's decision to deny clemency is a just outcome for the victims' families who have waited nearly two decades for justice.”

— Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa County District Attorney

What’s next

The case will now proceed to the final stages of the appeals process, with Johnson's execution date likely to be scheduled in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty, the need for thorough mental health evaluations, and the lasting trauma experienced by victims' families in high-profile murder cases.