Oklahoma executes death row inmate Richard Rojem

MACALESTER, Okla. (KFOR) – It’s been 40 years since a seven-year-old girl was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in Western Oklahoma. Thursday, the state of Oklahoma executed her former stepfather for the crime.

“As we near the anniversary of Layla Dawn’s horrific death on July seven, we remember honor and hold her forever in our hearts as the sweet and precious seven year old she was,” said Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma’s Attorney General, while reading a statement from the victim’s family. “Today marks the final chapter of justice, determined by three separate juries for Richard Rogen’s heinous acts. Nearly 40 years ago, when he stole her away like a monster he was.”

LOCAL NEWS: State of Oklahoma executes man convicted of killing 7-year-old

Richard Rojem was convicted of the July 7, 1984, kidnapping, raping and stabbing his former stepdaughter, Layla Dawn Cummings.

State prosecutors said he wanted to punish Layla’s mother “for refusing his proposal for remarriage in the worst possible way.” Rojem proposed just a few days before the murder.

The 7-year-old was found dead in a field near the road in Burns Flat, wearing her mother’s negligee.

“He deserved nothing less than today’s final justice for the savage, barbaric and torturous act of suffering he inflicted upon Layla Dunn before ending her life,” read AG Drummond as he read the statement.

Forty years later, at his clemency hearing, Rojem maintained his innocence.

“I did not kidnap Layla, I did not rape Layla, and I did not murder Layla,” Rojem said.

News 4 was chosen to be one of the five witnesses Thursday and listened to Rojem after officials asked if he had any last words.

“He said, ‘No, I don’t. I have none. I said my goodbyes.’ Shortly after that, he looked up at the emotional couple over in the corner. He appeared to smile, try to give a thumbs up, and the woman in front waved at him,” said Katelyn Ogle, who witnessed the execution.

LOCAL NEWS: Pardon and parole board denies clemency for convicted child killer

During the execution, two Buddhist prayed over him in the execution and witness rooms, while friends tearfully said goodbye.

“The doctor entered the chamber at 10:15 a.m., check for a pulse, showing the light in his eyes and time of death was declared at 10:16 a.m.,” said Sean Murphy with the Associated Press.

“This isn’t just about wrong versus right or us versus them. This is about and in our innate nature, to protect life and those we love,” read Drummond.

For his last meal, Rojem requested a Little Ceasar’s double cheese and double pepperoni pizza, ginger ale, ice cream, eight packets of salt, and eight packets of crushed red pepper.

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