Fairchild, convicted in the brutal murder of a 3-year old boy, is the state’s fifth execution of 2022. Almost one-third of U.S. executions this year have taken place in Oklahoma.
One candidate has in the past threatened to set himself on fire over abortion and has little experience as a prosecutor. The other is a former prosecutor turned defense attorney who carries the baggage of being a Democrat in a deeply conservative state.
Cole is the sixth man Oklahoma has put to death since resuming executions in 2021. Three more executions are scheduled before the end of the year.
The Frontier found false and misleading claims from both candidates.
Cole’s attorneys are still seeking a trial on the death row prisoner’s competency, arguing he’s too mentally ill to be executed.
Pontotoc County District Attorney Paul Smith has recused himself, citing the appearance of conflicts of interest.
Federal guidelines forbid using American Rescue Plan funds to build correctional facilities. But some county officials believe there are options to get around the rules and shore up an estimated $40-million budget hole.
Two district attorneys have targeted mothers with child neglect felonies.
