Oklahoma prison officials reported that Richard Rojem, Jr. was successfully executed on June 27th.
Rojem was convicted in 1984 of the kidnapping, rape and murder of his 7-year-old former stepdaughter, Layla Cummings. Layla’s mutilated and partially nude body was found in a field near Burns Flat on July 7, 1984.
Rojem was the longest-serving inmate on Oklahoma’s death row, having been in prison since 1985. He was 66.
Rojem’s execution began at 10:03 a.m. at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester as he received a three-drug lethal injection. He was unconscious at 10:08 and declared dead at 10:16 a.m.
When asked if he had any last words, he said “I don’t. I’ve said my goodbyes.” Rojem maintained his innocence until the end, but was convicted by a jury who only deliberated for 45 minutes before declaring him guilty due to the strong evidence against him.
“Justice for Layla Cummings was finally served this morning with the execution of the monster responsible for her rape and murder,” state Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement after the execution. “Layla’s family has endured unimaginable suffering for almost 40 years. My prayer is that today’s action brings a sense of comfort to those who loved her.”