McAlester, Oklahoma: The first execution of the year in Oklahoma took place as 41-year-old Michael Dewayne Smith was executed via lethal injection for the 2002 murders of Indian store clerk Sharath Pulluru and Janet Moore. The execution was carried out at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester town, according to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
Smith had been on death row for over two decades for the separate incidents in which he killed Pulluru and Moore on February 22, 2002. Following the execution, Attorney General Drummond expressed gratitude that justice had been served and hoped for some peace for the families of the victims who had endured 22 years of agony.
Describing the victims, the Attorney General emphasized that they were good and decent people who did not deserve their tragic fate. Sharath Pulluru, a bright and generous young man aspiring to pursue an education in the United States, was remembered as an inspiration to his family with a promising future.
In a statement, the Pulluru family reflected on the impact of Sharath’s sudden and violent death, expressing gratitude for the justice served. Similarly, the Moore family acknowledged that justice had been long-awaited and thanked the authorities for their commitment over the years.
Before his execution, Smith’s last words were reported as “Nah, I’m good.” He also issued a statement demanding further appeals be made on his behalf despite new evidence. The execution marked the 12th in Oklahoma since the state resumed carrying out death penalties in 2021.
Oklahoma had previously paused the death penalty in 2017 due to concerns following botched executions. The state has executed the highest number of individuals per capita in the United States since 1976, with plans to execute 25 prisoners within three years, accounting for the majority of inmates on death row in Oklahoma.
The execution reignites discussions on capital punishment, highlighting the complexities and moral dilemmas surrounding the justice system. As the state continues its executions, the families of the victims seek closure and healing while grappling with the lasting impact of these tragic events on their lives.