Oklahoma is set to execute its longest-serving death row prisoner
Richard Norman Rojem Jr., 66, was sentenced to death after kidnapping, raping and murdering a 7-year-old girl in 1984.
Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board rejects clemency for man who raped and murdered former stepdaughter
Richard Rojem is expected to be Oklahoma’s second execution this year after spending nearly four decades on death row.
Oklahoma cops can still use training banned in other states after allegations it promotes violence and illegal tactics
Instructors for the company Street Cop Training joked about Tasering and pepper spraying people and encouraged unconstitutional traffic stops, one report found. Oklahoma’s police training agency doesn’t vet course materials for officers.
Oklahoma court changes how executions are scheduled after concerns raised about rate of killings
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled this week it would change the manner by which executions are scheduled in the state, opting to set each execution date individually instead of in groups.
Atoka County settles case of man who died of pneumonia in jail
Authorities jailed Michael James Hoeppner under suspicion of drunk driving in March 2019. He wasn’t intoxicated but suffering from a treatable illness.
Figures reveal some Oklahoma prisons have fewer officers to guard inmates
Prisons in rural areas have struggled to hire and keep staff. Stabbings have occurred at some facilities.
Oklahoma set to carry out first execution of 2024
Michael DeWayne Smith was sentenced to death for two 2002 Oklahoma County murders.
A judge says ‘suck it up’ after executions put strain on Oklahoma prison staff
State leaders have asked the court for 90 days between executions to combat trauma, staffing shortages and reduce the potential for errors.
