Oklahoma executes Scott Eizember | Local News

McALESTER, Okla. — Family members of an aged couple slain in 2003 stated the execution of their killer ended an almost 20-year nightmare.

Oklahoma executed Scott Eizember, 61, at 10:15 a.m. Thursday for the 2003 murders of Patsy Cantrell, 70, and her husband, A.J. Cantrell, 76, of their Creek County residence.

Debra Cantrell Wyatt, the Cantrells’ daughter, stated the household hopes for therapeutic after struggling via her mom’s demise after which the homicide of her sister, Linda, just a few days earlier than Eizember’s trial.

“It’s been a journey — a long, painful journey,” she stated. “And I don’t believe in closure, I don’t like people use that word to me because the only way we would ever have closure is if they ever came back to us and we know that’s not going to happen on this earth.”

Court information state Eizember broke into the couple’s dwelling to attend for an ex-girlfriend and the Cantrells unexpectedly returned dwelling. Eizember beat the person unconscious, then dragged the Cantrells’ our bodies and their canine, Candy, into a toilet the place A.J. Cantrell died. Eizember then shot his ex-girlfriend’s son and beat her mom at a close-by residence earlier than a 37-day manhunt finally led to his seize in Texas.

Sean Murphy, with the Associated Press, stated officers learn the demise warrant at 10 a.m. earlier than Eizember gave his last assertion from the gurney.

“I told the truth, I cannot convince everyone I told the truth obviously. The court also said I told the truth. So for those people out there who don’t seem to want to tell the truth, that’s on them. That’s on their head. I’m at peace, my conscious is clear completely. I love my children,” he stated.

Eizember’s religious adviser, Dr. Rev. Jeff Hood, attended the execution contained in the demise chamber after the Oklahoma Department of Corrections initially barred him for his earlier arrests for protests.

They sued over the ban as a result of it violated the demise row inmate’s proper to precise freedom of faith earlier than ODOC Director Steven Harpe reversed the choice Wednesday.

Harpe stated Thursday that Hood was allowed within the chamber after he agreed to a code of conduct that barred him from saying or doing something that may disrupt safety of the execution or diminish respect for the witnesses.

“Everyone is and should be entitled to their own opinions on the death penalty,” Harpe stated. “It’s a very complex issue. But as something affirmed by a vote of the people and carried out by an order of the court, this agency must do what we can to protect the dignity of the process.”

Media witnesses stated a further safety employee within the execution chamber solely targeted on Hood all through the method.

News On 6 anchor Lori Fullbright stated Hood solely spoke with Eizember and recited from what seemed like a Bible in the course of the execution protocol.

“For as much kicking it around as me and the director have had, and some of those officials, he (Harpe) did come and shake my hand and that was kind,” Hood stated after the execution.

Murphy stated Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond was amongst 17 seated witnesses, together with a number of dignitaries and 5 media witnesses.

“It was my solemn duty this morning to be present for the execution of Scott James Eizember, whose terrible crimes shattered a loving family and sentenced them to a lifetime of grief and loss,” Drummond stated in a press launch. “After nearly 20 years, justice is served. I understand that nothing can ever lessen the pain of a loved one’s death, but I pray that today brings closure and some measure of peace to the Cantrell family.”

Media witnesses stated Eizember gave his last assertion, then conversed with Hood, mouthed “I love you” a lady on the opposite aspect of the execution chamber glass, and the execution began.

Officials declared Eizember unconscious at 10:07 a.m., he stopped respiratory three minutes later, and he was declared useless at 10:15 a.m.

Justin Wyatt, a grandson of the Cantrells, stated he didn’t learn about calling the execution justice or closure for the household.

“But I believe this was the only way to end the nightmare my family has endured all these years,” Wyatt stated. He stated the Cantrells’ legacy can dwell on and he’s glad their reminiscence may be indifferent from Eizember and thanked folks for exhibiting assist for the household all through the years.

Johnny Melton, a nephew of the Cantrells, stated the household believes the courtroom course of shouldn’t take 20 years and known as for nationwide deal with bettering psychological well being and stopping home violence.

“It must stop,” Melton stated of home violence. “We are better than this.”

Staff author Derrick James contributed to this story.