Wendell Grissom Execution: Oklahoma attorney general, attorneys release statements

Weldell Grissom was executed Thursday morning, after being on death row for over 17 years regarding a 2005 break-in shooting incident resulting in the killing of Amber Matthews in Blane County.

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After the execution, statements were issued by his defending attorney and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond:

“Justice has been served for Amber Matthews, her loved ones and the Kopf family. Nearly two decades ago, the individual executed today committed an act of unspeakable violence, taking the life of a young woman who was simply protecting a child,” Drummond said. “The execution of this sentence affirms our commitment to holding accountable those who commit the most heinous crimes against our citizens. While nothing can bring Amber back, I hope this final chapter brings some measure of peace to those who have waited so long for justice to prevail,” AG Drummond said. 

Kristi Christopher, an attorney for Grissom, also released a statement:

“Today the State of Oklahoma executed Wendell Grissom, a severely brain damaged man who struggled with depression and substance abuse since he was a child. He took the life of Amber Matthews and seriously injured Dreu Kopf. Wendell always accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed genuine remorse for the pain and loss he caused these families as well as his own family. 

The Wendell Grissom who the State of Oklahoma took from us today is not the same person who committed the crimes twenty years ago. Wendell had become a deeply reflective spiritual and peaceful man who was well respected by Oklahoma Department of Corrections staff and his fellow inmates. Wendell was acutely aware each day that he stole something from the Matthews and Kopf families that he could never give back. This realization drove him to strive to be a better person. Wendell spent his final years ministering to others and sharing anything he was fortunate enough to have with fellow prisoners without the same resources and support. 

We remember Wendell as a loyal and caring friend and a devoted son and brother who has spent the past two decades trying to atone for his harmful actions in November 2005. Wendell’s execution perpetuates a cycle of pain and trauma. We hold out hope for a day when we no longer purport to advance justice by taking one life for another.”