Oklahoma Executes Emmanuel Littlejohn Despite Clemency Board's Recommendation

Littlejohn maintained his innocence in the 1992 murder of Kenneth Meers, while anti-death penalty activists criticize Governor Stitt's decision.

Emmanuel Littlejohn was executed Thursday morning by Oklahoma for the 1992 murder of Kenneth Meers, a convenience store owner.
The state's Pardons and Parole Board had recommended clemency, but Governor Kevin Stitt declined to overturn the jury's death sentence.
Littlejohn admitted to participating in the robbery but insisted that an accomplice, Glenn Bethany, fired the fatal shot.
Littlejohn's final moments included a message of love to his family and a Bible verse recited by his spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeff Hood.
Activists and Littlejohn's attorneys argued prosecutorial misconduct and highlighted his troubled upbringing and rehabilitation efforts in prison.