Oklahoma executed 66-year-old Richard Rojem Jr. on Thursday for the 1984 kidnapping, raping, and killing of his 7-year-old former stepdaughter, despite his maintained innocence and lack of DNA evidence linking him to the crime.

Rojem's execution, carried out at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, marks the 12th since the state resumed lethal injections in October 2021. Despite the conviction being based on DNA evidence that did not link him to the crime scene and his attorneys' arguments for clemency, the Pardon and Parole Board denied his appeals. Rojem, who had his conviction overturned twice before being sentenced to death for the third time in 2007, remained the longest-serving inmate on Oklahoma’s death row. Family members of victim Layla Cummings have expressed relief at the closure this execution provides.

Rojem was declared dead at 10:16 a.m. The execution took place at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. In his final moments, Rojem did not offer any final words, maintaining his innocence until the end.

The kidnapping and murder of Layla Cummings occurred in 1984. Layla was taken from her home in Elk City, Oklahoma, and her body was discovered mutilated and partially clothed in a field near the town of Burns Flat. Evidence used by prosecutors to secure Rojem's conviction included his fingerprints found on a cup and a condom wrapper, which were presented as links to the crime. However, DNA evidence retrieved from Layla's fingernails did not match Rojem.

Despite the lack of DNA evidence connecting him directly to Layla's murder, Rojem's previous criminal history played a significant role in his conviction and sentencing. He had been previously convicted of raping two teenage girls in Michigan. This past criminal behavior likely influenced the jury's decision during his trial.

Rojem's attorneys made repeated efforts to seek clemency, emphasizing the absence of DNA evidence tying him to the crime. These efforts were ultimately denied by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, which cleared the way for his execution.

Rojem's case saw several legal twists and turns over the decades. Initially convicted in 1985, his sentence was overturned twice before he was ultimately sentenced to death for the third time in 2007. Throughout his prolonged legal battle, he became the longest-serving inmate on Oklahoma’s death row.

Layla's family, including her mother, Mindy Lynn Cummings, expressed a sense of relief and closure after the execution. Mindy Lynn Cummings and Rojem had been married while he was serving time in a Michigan prison, adding another complex layer to the tragic circumstances.

In his final hours, Rojem opted for a final meal that included Little Caesar's pizza, salt packets, crushed red pepper packets, Vernors Ginger Ale, and vanilla ice cream cups.

Since Oklahoma resumed lethal injections in October 2021, Rojem's execution is the 12th to be carried out. The state has faced intense scrutiny and legal challenges over its use of lethal injection, but it continues to implement this form of capital punishment.