James Dwight Pavatt denied clemency after death sentence in Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency to death row inmate James Dwight Pavatt on Wednesday. The 3-2 decision in Oklahoma City clears the way for the state to carry out his scheduled execution.

Pavatt received a death sentence for the 2001 shooting of Oklahoma City resident Robert Andrew. Prosecutors say Pavatt was having an affair with Andrew’s wife, Brenda.

His defense team says there is no proof that Pavatt was at the scene of the murder. Pavatt has maintained his innocence. The state scheduled his execution for November 12.

Elizabeth Overman of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty released a statement following the vote.

“The Oklahoma Coalition Against the Death Penalty extends condolences to the family of Rob Andrew. However, the death penalty is wrong.”

Overman said the state withheld important information. She also said no conclusive evidence proves Pavatt is guilty. The coalition called the death penalty unconstitutional and immoral.

A clemency hearing offers a condemned prisoner a final chance to seek mercy before the state board. The board can recommend that the governor reduce a death sentence to life in prison.

Board members met Wednesday morning in Oklahoma City to hear the case. That vote ended his request for clemency.