Oklahoma County killer put to death for 2001 slaying

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma County killer James Pavatt was put to death by lethal injection Thursday at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

The time of death was 10:12 a.m., according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

“We carried out the court’s orders according to our high standards of professionalism and respect for those in our custody, ensuring dignity for everyone involved in the process,” Oklahoma Department of Corrections Executive Director Justin Farris said in a statement.

The execution process had no complications, said Kay Gallamore, a DOC spokesperson. No members of Pavatt’s family or the victim’s family attended, she said.

Pavatt, 73, and his love interest Brenda Andrew, 62, were both sentenced to death for the 2001 shooting death of advertising executive Rob Andrew as he attempted to pick up his two children for a holiday visit.

Brenda and Rob Andrew were going through a divorce. Prosecutors alleged Brenda Andrew and Pavatt were having an affair. They allege a $800,000 life insurance policy Rob Andrew had was part of the motive.

Brenda Andrew, the only female on Oklahoma’s death row, is appealing her conviction and death sentence.

Brenda Andrew and Pavatt fled to Mexico with the Andrews’ two children after the killing, prosecutors said.

“Justice has been served for Rob Andrew who was taken from his children and his family far too soon,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in October denied clemency on a 2-3 vote.

Pavatt, who served in the U.S. Air Force, told the panel he was not guilty of murder, but guilty of falling in love.

“Jim long professed his innocence and the absence of credible evidence against him is stark,” said Hunter S. Labovitz, his attorney.