TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma executed inmate Phillip Hancock on Nov. 30 at 11:29 a.m.
Hancock was convicted of fatally shooting Robert Jett and James Lynch in 2001, while he maintained the killings were done in self-defense.
On Nov. 8, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended clemency for Hancock on a 3-2 vote after he continued to claim his innocence.
Hancock and his attorneys claim Jett and Lynch were criminals and attacked Hancock while he was unarmed. They said Hancock managed to get Jett's gun and shot the two in a clear case of self-defense.
Family members of the two victims spoke at the clemency hearing, asking for the board not to recommend clemency.
Governor Kevin Stitt denied Hancock clemency moments before the planned execution. Stitt only granted clemency once in the case Julius Jones.
The Oklahoma Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty released this statement about Stitt's decision:
"We are profoundly disappointed that Gov. Stitt has rejected the Pardon and Parole Board's recommendation of clemency for Phillip Hancock. Oklahoma's practice of capital punishment continues to be riddled with problems, including the inability of the state to prevent the execution of innocent people. Should the state proceed with the scheduled execution on Thursday, it will be yet another gross miscarriage of justice. Phillip's case is one more reminder why we must insist state leaders reinstate a moratorium in order to correct these problems."
Hancock's last meal request was simple: fried chicken — dark meat, no sides.
Oklahoma uses three drugs to administer death: one to cause sedation, one to halt respiration, and one to stop the heart.
This is the fourth execution of the year and the final one planned for 2023. Oklahoma executed Scott Eizember in January, Jemaine Cannon in July, and Anthony Sanchez in September.
2 News crews will be in McAlester for the execution and will provide updates as we learn them.
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