OKLAHOMA CITY — Michael DeWayne Smith was executed by lethal injection on April 4.
Smith was convicted of killing Janet Moore and Sharath Pulluru in separate shootings in February 2002.
Smith exhausted his appeals. In March, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 4-1 to deny clemency.
Smith claimed he didn't remember the killings and that he was high on drugs during the time.
The court said Smith gave a very detailed and corroborated confession to police.
Smith was executed at 10:20 a.m.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond released this statement about the execution:
“I pray that today brings some measure of peace for the families of Janet Miller-Moore and Sharath Pulluru. It has been a long and difficult 22 years for their loved ones, and my heart aches over the agony they have endured.
“I want the people of Oklahoma to know that the victims of Michael Smith were good and decent people who did not deserve their fate. Janet, a loving mother and dedicated hospital staffer, was a rock for her family. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, an ear to anyone who needed to feel heard, and a kind word to anyone who was struggling.
“Sharath, a bright young man with a generous spirit, was the first in his family to come to the United States to pursue an education. He was fun to be around, was an inspiration to his family, and had a promising future.
“Janet and Sharath were murdered simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time; that was all. I am grateful that justice has been served.”
From the Miller-Moore family:
“Honor and glory to the Most High as this is the day the Lord has made. Thank you to the Attorney General and staff in representation of the State of Oklahoma for the continued support to seek justice for the beloved Janet Denise ‘Niecy’ Miller-Moore. We would like to share our appreciation to the staff who have gone above and beyond for our family. It does not go unnoticed or in vain, as we were constantly reminded this is justice for a loss that has caused a ripple for generations to come. Today and always, we honor the mother, the sister, the aunt, the cousin, and the angel on Earth and in heaven.
“The memory of her life, her work, and her deeds will continue to live on. Justice has been served.”
From the Pulluru family:
"Sharath was the life of our family. We are a very close family and his sudden death in such a violent manner has affected our families' lives every day since. He will forever live in our hearts. We are thankful justice was served today."
2 News Oklahoma Senior Reporter Justin Ayer witnessed the execution on April 4.
Prison staff said Smith did not request a last meal. As for his last words in the execution room, he said, "nah, I'm good."
As Smith was strapped into the bed, he looked out at the viewing room in a calm manner. When staff intravenously administered Midazolam, he started to quiver, appearing more tense. A minute later, he was breathing deeper, at times sounding like snoring.
Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections Executive Director Steven Harpe says he found out Smith had sleep apnea, which may have contributed to some of those noises.
When they administered Vecuronium and Potassium Chloride, Smith stopped breathing.
"Today's event and the circumstances that led have affected many people – especially the family, friends, and victims of Janet Moore and Sharath Pulluru," Harpe said.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond was also there – and read statements from the victim's families.
On behalf of Janet Moore, Drummond read aloud a prayer and the family's appreciation to the state for seeking justice. Pulluru's family said Sharath was the life of their family – and his death will forever live in their hearts.
Prison staff say Smith was unconscious at 10:14 a.m. and his cause of death was 10:20 a.m.
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