Supreme Court Reviews Case of Brenda Andrew, Only Woman on Oklahoma's Death Row

The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a review of Brenda Andrew's death penalty case, the only woman on Oklahoma's death row, due to concerns over the use of prejudicial evidence during her trial. Andrew was convicted in 2004 for the 2001 murder of her estranged husband, Rob Andrew, allegedly orchestrated with her lover, James Pavatt, for life insurance proceeds. The court's decision highlights issues with the prosecution's focus on Andrew's sexual history and personal life, which her defense argues unfairly influenced the jury's perception. Despite dissenting opinions from Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, who contended that the evidence of Andrew's guilt was overwhelming, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of ensuring fair trial standards under the Due Process Clause. The ruling directs the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider Andrew's claims regarding the trial's fairness. Andrew's defense team remains committed to challenging the conviction based on these concerns.