A 41-year-old man named Michael Dewayne Smith was executed by lethal injection on Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in the town of McAlester. His execution marked the closure of a 22-year-long legal saga surrounding the tragic murders of two individuals back in 2002.Smith was convicted of the brutal killings of 24-year-old Sharath Pulluru, an Indian store clerk, and 40-year-old Janet Moore, in separate incidents on February 22, 2002. The execution brought an end to a lengthy legal process that began with Smiths conviction.The execution of Michael DeWayne Smith has been carried out by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Death was pronounced at 10:20AM local time. The execution occurred without incident.— Midwestern Americanist (@TheMidwesternA1) April 4, 2024Oklahoma Attorney General expresses his sentimentsOklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed sentiments of sorrow and sympathy for the families of the victims, stating, I pray that today brings some measure of peace for the families of Janet Miller-Moore and Sharath Pulluru. He stated that It has been a long and difficult 22 years for their family.Harish Pulluru was inspiration to his familyDrummond emphasized the character of the victims, describing Sharath Pulluru as a bright and promising individual who had ventured to the United States to pursue education and become an inspiration to his family. He reiterated that the victims were innocent individuals who were at the wrong place at the wrong time.Sharaths brother urged denial of clemencyHarish Pulluru, Sharaths brother, expressed the deep impact of the loss on their family, recalling Sharaths vibrant personality and the profound void left by his sudden and violent death. He urged the denial of clemency for Smith, emphasizing the lasting anguish endured by their family.In a final statement before his execution, Smith implored his attorney to continue fighting for his life, citing new evidence. Despite his plea, the execution proceeded, marking the end of a long and painful chapter for the families involved.
