FILE – This Feb. 2, 2018 file photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections shows Scott Eizember. (Oklahoma Department of Corrections via AP, File)
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Oklahoma executed a man Thursday who was convicted of killing an elderly couple and committing other crimes 20 years ago before authorities captured him in Texas after a manhunt.
Scott James Eizember, 62, received a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester and was pronounced dead at 10:15 a.m.
“I’m at peace,” said Eizember, strapped to a gurney with an IV in his left arm. “My conscience is clear, completely. I love my children.”
Once the lethal drugs began flowing, the short-bearded Eizember could be seen chatting with his spiritual advisor, the Rev. Jeffrey Hood, who was inside the execution chamber with him. He raised his head at one point and said “I love you” as he addressed his daughter and the lawyers who were among the 17 people sitting in the witness room.
Eizember’s breathing became labored and he was pronounced unconscious at 10:07 a.m. He appeared to stop breathing at 10:10 a.m. and was pronounced dead five minutes later.
Eizember’s lawyers did not deny that he killed AJ Cantrell, 76, and his wife, Patsy Cantrell, 70, on October 18, 2003. But they told the state Board of Pardons and Paroles last month that the double murder was not planned and that his life still had value.
The board rejected a recommendation for leniency in a 3-2 vote.
“He has felt remorse every day of his imprisonment. There is no reason to kill him next month other than revenge,” attorney Mark Henricksen told the Board.
After the execution, several members of the Cantrell family spoke of the pain the family has dealt with and expressed concern about the length of time it took to execute Eizember.
“After living through this nightmare, I have to say that 20 years is too long for justice to be served,” Johnny Melton, the slain couple’s nephew, said in a statement read on behalf of the family.
Source: El Nuevo Herald
