This Week in 2012

“I just want to thank God for such an exuberant sendoff. Also my family for standing by me throughout all this. I appreciate them being there for me through the hardships. I’d like to ask forgiveness for all those who need it — you know who you are. I ask that my spirit be released directly into the hands of Jesus and I’m ready to go. I love you all.”

– Michael Hooper, convicted of murder, lethal injection, Oklahoma. Executed August 14, 2012.

Hooper was convicted of the murders of Cindy Jarman and her two children, Tonya and Timothy. Their relationship had been violent; Hooper threatened to kill Jarmen on many occasions. Hooper shot his victims in the head and buried them in a shallow grave in a field outside Oklahoma City. Prior to his execution, Hooper unsuccessfully sued the state, arguing that Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol was unconstitutional.