Oklahoma’s Pardon and Parole Board will hear a clemency request from James Pavitt, a death‑row inmate convicted of the 2001 murder of Rob Andrew, on Wednesday morning. Pavitt, a former life‑insurance agent, faces execution on Nov. 12 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester unless the board recommends clemency and Governor Kevin Stitt grants it.
Case background
In 2001, Rob Andrew was shot to death in his garage. Prosecutors argued that Pavitt and his estranged wife, Brenda Andrew, conspired to kill Andrew so that Brenda could collect an $800,000 life‑insurance policy that Pavitt had helped secure. Prior to the murder, an Oklahoma City detective recorded a report from Andrew indicating that his car brakes had been cut and that he suspected Pavitt and Brenda Andrew.
Both Pavitt and Brenda Andrew were convicted of murder. Brenda Andrew currently remains on death row, while Pavitt’s execution date has been set for Thursday, Nov. 12.
State officials’ positions
Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a statement in mid‑September urging the board not to recommend clemency. “Rob Andrew was gunned down in his own garage, feet from the children he loved, by a man he trusted as a friend and an insurance agent,” Drummond said. “Twenty‑five years later, Pavitt still won’t tell the truth about what he did. There must be justice for Rob.”
Governor Kevin Stitt has not yet commented publicly on the upcoming hearing, but the final clemency decision rests with his office after the board’s recommendation.
What the hearing could mean
The Pardon and Parole Board’s role is to review clemency petitions and advise the governor. A recommendation for clemency could lead to a stay of execution or a commutation of the death sentence, while a recommendation against clemency would likely result in the scheduled execution proceeding.
Advocates for a moratorium on Oklahoma executions have gathered at the state Capitol, urging officials to reconsider the use of capital punishment. Their efforts reflect a broader debate in the state over the death penalty’s application and fairness.
Public response
Local residents and faith‑based groups have expressed mixed reactions. Some families of victims emphasize the need for justice and support the Attorney General’s stance, while others call for mercy and a thorough review of the case’s evidence.
The upcoming hearing will be closely watched by both supporters of the death penalty and those advocating for criminal‑justice reform in Oklahoma.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
