Oklahoma executes Anthony Sanchez for 1996 rape and murder of college dance student after DNA links him to decades-old cold case

Anthony Sanchez was executed in Oklahoma on September 21, 2023 for the rape and murder of 21-year-old University of Oklahoma dance student Juli Busken in 1996.
DNA evidence collected in 2002 linked Sanchez to the crime scene while he was already serving time for burglary.
Sanchez maintained his innocence until his execution, claiming his late father was the actual killer.
Oklahoma resumed lethal injections in 2021 after a six-year moratorium on capital punishment.
Busken's family expressed relief at finally getting closure after over 26 years.