Tag: Oklahoma

Sex Offender Fatally Shot 6, Then Killed Self, Official Says

An Oklahoma sex offender who was released from prison early shot his wife, her three children, and their two friends in the head and then killed himself, authorities confirmed Wednesday as concerns grew about why he was free as his trial on new sex charges loomed. Okmulgee Police Chief Joe Prentice said that the victims…


Supreme Court Halts Execution of Oklahoma Death Row Inmate Richard Glossip

The U.S. Supreme Court on May 5 granted death row inmate Richard Glossip a stay of execution. At the same time, it considers two writs of certiorari in his murder case. Glossip’s attorney is hopeful he is one step closer to saving Glossip from the execution chamber. “We hope that the Court will reverse the…


Oklahoma Lawmakers, Activists Call on Governor to Sign Reprieve of Death Row Inmate

OKLAHOMA CITY—Anti-death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean told a group of about 35 people in the Oklahoma State Capital that the state couldn’t be trusted with the power to execute people. “In that governor’s hand is the power of life and death. We have got to end this; they can’t handle it,” Prejean said. Prejean…


Oklahoma Targets Wall Street ESG Activists

Oklahoma became the latest state to take action against Wall Street firms that it claims are hurting companies that are essential to providing jobs and energy for the state. Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ announced on Wednesday that 13 financial institutions, which have been deemed to be discriminating against Oklahoma’s energy industry, will be banned from doing business with the state, losing…


Oklahoma Attorney General Says State Should Give Death Row Inmate New Trial

The state of Oklahoma is scheduled to execute Richard Glossip on May 18 for the 1997 murder of his employer Barry Van Treese. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied Glossip’s application for clemency on April 26. An unusual partnership of anti-death penalty activists and capital punishment advocates will gather at the state capitol in…


Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Banning Sex Change Surgeries for Minors

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law on Monday banning health care workers from performing gender-altering procedures and providing hormone therapies to minors. Under Senate Bill 613 (pdf), which passed by a 38–8 vote on April 27, doctors are barred from performing transgender surgeries on anyone under the age of 18. The new law…


7 Bodies Found During Search for Missing Oklahoma Teens; 4 Identified

A woman said Tuesday that her daughter and three grandchildren were among the seven people found dead at a rural Oklahoma property during a search for two missing teens and a convicted sex offender. Janette Mayo, 59, of Westville, Oklahoma, said the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office notified her late Monday that the other four victims…


7 Bodies Found During Search for Missing Oklahoma Teens

A woman said Tuesday that her daughter and three grandchildren were among the seven people found dead at a rural Oklahoma property during a search for two missing teens and a convicted sex offender. Janette Mayo, 59, of Westville, Oklahoma, said the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office notified her late Monday that the other four victims…


Oklahoma Passes Bill Banning Sex Change Surgeries for Children

Oklahoma’s Republican-majority Legislature has passed a bill banning health care providers from performing transgender procedures or providing gender-altering medication to minors. Senate Bill 613 was introduced by Republican state Sen. Julie Daniels and passed Thursday by a 38–8 vote. The bill will now go to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is expected to sign it. The…


Oklahoma Passes Bill Allowing Religious Institutions Access to State Funding

Oklahoma legislatures have passed the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, through the House and is now waiting to be signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. The bill (SB 404) passed with a 64-27 vote and protects against discrimination against religious organizations, especially when it comes to receiving state tax dollars. The bill prohibits exclusion from government funds, benefits, programs,…