Oklahoma Executes Wendell Grissom for 2005 Murder

Oklahoma executed Wendell Grissom, 56, by lethal injection for the 2005 murder of Amber Matthews during a home invasion, marking the state's first execution of 2025. Grissom, who had a lengthy criminal record and was accompanied by Jessie Floyd Johns, shot Matthews while she held her friend's infant, and also shot Dreu Kopf, who survived. Grissom expressed remorse in his final statement, acknowledging his responsibility for the crime. Kopf, who suffered lasting trauma from the incident, attended the execution along with Matthews' family and friends. Although Grissom's attorneys argued against the death penalty citing his mental health issues, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency. The execution has reignited debates over capital punishment, with some advocating against it while others argue justice was served.