COMING UP SO BREANA THANK YOU. NEW TONIGHT A GROUP RENEWING THEIR MISSION TO PUT A STOP TO OKLAHOMA’S DEATH PENALTY. ACCORDING TO THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 36 PEOPLE ARE ON DEATH ROW RIGHT NOW. THE NEXT EXECUTION DATE IS SET FOR APRIL 4TH. THE LAZARUS COMMUNITY SAYS THE STATE IS ON A HOMICIDE SPREE. THEY’VE PLACED WHITE CROSSES REPRESENTING INCARCERATED PEOPLE ON DEATH ROW. IF THE INMATE’S LIFE IS SPARED THEIR PAINTED GREEN, IF THEY’RE EXECUTED, THEY’RE PAINTED RED. DEATH PENALTY ACTION, A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION WORKING TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY, HELPED ORGANIZE THIS EVENT. THESE CROSSES HAVE BEEN HERE FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS. THE CHURCH’S MISSION TODAY WAS TO RENEW THEIR MISSION IN OPPOSING THE DEATH PENALTY. SENATOR CONNIE JOHNSON GIVING WHAT THE LAZARUS COMMUNITY’S REVEREND SAYS WAS A WARM MESSAGE, RALLYING THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR WORK. AS CHRISTIANS, WE BELIEVE THAT THESE EXECUTIONS DENY BY THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF GOD. SEEMS LIKE WE GET KIND OF PARTIAL ABOUT LIFE HERE IN OKLAHOMA. WE SAY THAT ALL LIFE IS PRECIOUS, EXCEPT IF THEY’RE INCARCERATED, AND THAT WHEN THEY MOVE THE CROSSES FROM THE ROAD THERE TO HERE, THEY HAVE A VIGIL FOR THE EXECUTED AND THEIR VICTIMS. HE SAYS HE AND THE LAZARUS
Group calls for end to executions by painting crosses representing Oklahomans on death row
The group paints the white crosses red when a person is executed and green if their life is spared
![KOCO logo]()
Updated: 5:24 PM CST Feb 17, 2024
A group of Oklahomans against the death penalty renewed their mission on Saturday. A nonprofit called the Lazarus Community put up white crosses, which represent the Oklahomans on death row. The group paints the crosses red when a person is executed and green if their life is spared. | MORE | Oklahoma attorney general, DOC file motion seeking 90-day execution intervals The national organization Death Penalty Action, which works to abolish the death penalty, helped organize the event to repaint some of the crosses with white, red and green paint. The crosses have been in northwest Oklahoma City for almost two years, and the mission to end capital punishment in the state was once again on display this weekend. Former state Sen. Connie Johnson joined the movement. She gave what the Lazarus Community's reverend called a warm message, rallying them to continue their work. "As Christians, we believe these executions deny the redemptive power of God. Seems like we get kind of partial about life here in Oklahoma. We say all life is precious, except if they're incarcerated," said the Rev. Bo Ireland with the Lazarus Community. Ireland said he will not stop calling for action until executions end. There are currently 36 people on death row, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The next execution is scheduled for Michael DeWayne Smith on April 4. Top Headlines Dog set to be neutered by OKC Animal Welfare euthanized instead OU gives all-clear after bomb squad investigates suspicious package Social media post falsely identifies Edmond roofer as burglar Edmond breaks ground on first new fire station in nearly 20 years Stillwater nonprofit raises awareness on sexual assault
OKLAHOMA CITY — A group of Oklahomans against the death penalty renewed their mission on Saturday.
A nonprofit called the Lazarus Community put up white crosses, which represent the Oklahomans on death row. The group paints the crosses red when a person is executed and green if their life is spared.
| MORE | Oklahoma attorney general, DOC file motion seeking 90-day execution intervals
The national organization Death Penalty Action, which works to abolish the death penalty, helped organize the event to repaint some of the crosses with white, red and green paint.
The crosses have been in northwest Oklahoma City for almost two years, and the mission to end capital punishment in the state was once again on display this weekend.
Former state Sen. Connie Johnson joined the movement. She gave what the Lazarus Community's reverend called a warm message, rallying them to continue their work.
"As Christians, we believe these executions deny the redemptive power of God. Seems like we get kind of partial about life here in Oklahoma. We say all life is precious, except if they're incarcerated," said the Rev. Bo Ireland with the Lazarus Community.
Ireland said he will not stop calling for action until executions end.
There are currently 36 people on death row, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The next execution is scheduled for Michael DeWayne Smith on April 4.
Top Headlines
