Scott Eisember A.J. and to wait for his ex-girlfriend at the home of Patsy Cantrell, who lived across the street. And killed the couple when they returned, prosecutors said.
Oklahoma on Thursday executed a man convicted of killing an elderly couple 20 years ago. And committing Other crimes before authorities caught him after a manhunt in Texas.
Scott James Ijember, 62, received a lethal injection. At the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester and was pronounced dead at 10:15 a.m.
“I’m at peace,” said Izember, his left arm strapped to a gurney with an intravenous line. “My conscience is clear, completely. I love my children.”
Once the lethal drugs began to flow, Ejember, who had a close beard. Was approached by his spiritual advisor Rev. Seen chatting with Jeffrey Hood. Who was in the execution chamber with him. He lifted his head at one point and mouthed “I love you” to his daughter. and lawyers who were among the 17 people sitting in the witness room.
Izember’s attorneys have not denied that he killed AJ. Cantrell, 76, and his wife, Patsy Cantrell, 70, on Oct. 18, 2003. But they told the state Board of Pardons and Paroles last month.
The board voted 3-2 to reject a clemency recommendation.
“He regretted every day of his imprisonment. There is no reason to kill him next month except for revenge,” attorney Mark Henriksen told the board.
After the execution, several Cantrell members spoke of the pain the family endured. And expressed concern about the length of time it took to execute Eisember.
“Having lived through this nightmare, I must say that 20 years is too long for justice,” Johnny Melton. The slain couple’s nephew, said in a statement on behalf of the family. “We want to get it right and we want to make sure everyone’s rights are protected, but the process is very slow.”
Melton emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence. And improving mental health treatment in the state of Oklahoma. And across the country.
“I know that’s going to be a controversial statement, but I believe it’s a fact. That abusers need help. They need it when they’re young,” Melton said. This is more
Prosecutors allege that Eisember broke into the Cantrells’ home in DePau, Oklahoma. After he saw them leave so he could wait for his ex-girlfriend, Kathryn Smith, who lived across the street. When the couple arrived home unexpectedly, prosecutors say Eisember shot. And killed Patsy Cantrell with a shotgun found inside the home and then A.J. Cantrell died of gunshot wounds.
Eisember was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for AJ’s murder. Cantrell was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced. To 150 years in prison for killing Patsy Cantrell. Eisember’s attorneys argued that Patsy Cantrell was shot. And killed when she and A.J. Cantrell fought back with a shotgun.
After killing the couple, Izember walked across the street into Smith’s home. Shot his son in the back and attacked his mother, prosecutors said. Both survived and authorities say Eisember eventually drove out of town in a stolen car.
Police believe Ijember had been hiding in the woods around the towns of Depew and Bristow for more. Than 30 days after law enforcement agencies launched a major manhunt to track him down.
“He was not afraid to kill again,” Assistant Attorney General Tessa Henry told the pardon board.
Izember eventually drove to Arkansas in a stolen car. And kidnapped a physician and his wife at gunpoint, prosecutors said. After driving with the couple in Texas, the doctor pulled out a pistol hidden in the couple’s van. And shot Ejember four times.
A federal jury in Arkansas convicted Izember in December 2005 of two counts of kidnapping. And one count of carjacking and using a firearm in a crime of violence.
Eizember filed a last-minute lawsuit to have his spiritual advisor. Go with him in the death chamber during the execution. The DOC reversed that decision Wednesday. Citing concerns from the Cantrell family.
The US Supreme Court ruled last year that states must honor the wishes of death row inmates. Who want their priests to pray aloud and even touch them during their executions.
Oklahoma uses a three-drug lethal injection method that begins with the sedative midazolam. Rendering the person unconscious, followed by the paralytic vecuronium bromide. And finally potassium chloride, which stops the heart.
