Oklahoma

Only woman on Oklahoma’s death row granted Supreme Court hearing

Published

10 months ago

January 21, 2025

Only woman on Oklahoma’s death row granted Supreme Court hearing

The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a case review of the only woman on Oklahoma’s death row, citing concerns over the prosecution’s use of her sexual history during her trial.

Brenda Andrew, convicted in 2004 for the murder of her estranged husband Rob Andrew, argued that prosecutorial tactics, including references to her as a “slut puppy” and the display of her thong underwear during closing arguments, unfairly influenced the jury.

Why It Matters

Brenda Andrew was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in the 2001 killing of her advertising executive husband in Oklahoma City.

Prosecutors alleged that Andrew and her lover, James Pavatt, lured Rob Andrew into the garage and fatally shot him with a shotgun, intending to claim his life insurance proceeds. Pavatt also received the death penalty.

A stock image of the U.S. Supreme Court on November 16, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

searagen/Getty Images

What To Know

A three-judge panel at the 10th Circuit upheld Andrew’s conviction, but one dissenting judge argued that the use of irrelevant evidence rendered the trial fundamentally unfair.

Judge Arlene Johnson of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals had previously made a similar critique.

Lawyers for Andrew argued that the state had a circumstantial case that it backed up by presenting evidence about “her sexual history, gender presentation, demeanor and motherhood.”

The Supreme Court’s decision does not exonerate Andrew but directs the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider her claims. In an unsigned opinion, the court noted that previous rulings under the Due Process Clause prohibit the introduction of evidence so prejudicial that it undermines a fair trial.

Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch in dissent, argued that the state presented “overwhelming evidence” of Andrew’s guilt and upheld her sentence.

Oklahoma officials echoed this view, maintaining that the references to Andrew’s personal life were “a drop in the ocean” of the case’s evidence.

Brenda Andrew and James Pavatt exit Judge Carol Hubbard’s courtroom in Oklahoma City on July 18, 2002.

AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Steve Gooch

At the 2004 trial, Andrew’s defense argued her innocence, portraying her as a devoted mother and churchgoer. Prosecutors, however, emphasized her extramarital affairs and demeanor, presenting male witnesses who described her as provocative and seductive. The trial culminated in the dramatic display of her thong before the jury, paired with descriptions of her as manipulative and immoral.

The state also highlighted Andrew’s actions following the crime, including fleeing to Mexico with Pavatt before her arrest. Despite Pavatt’s confession to the murder, police and prosecutors asserted Andrew’s involvement in orchestrating the crime, leading to her conviction.

Andrew’s attorneys contend that these tactics violated her constitutional rights. They argue that evidence irrelevant to the crime rendered the trial fundamentally unfair and cast her character, rather than her actions, as the centerpiece of the prosecution’s case.

What People Are Saying

At trial, lawyers for Andrew said: “The state invited the jury to convict and condemn Ms. Andrew to die because she was a ‘hoochie,’ was a bad mother and wife, did not cry publicly, and otherwise failed to adhere to feminine stereotypes.”

Judge Robert Bacharach wrote: “The evidence not only lacked relevance but also cast Ms. Andrew as a woman fixated on seducing nearby men.”

What Happens Next

The case now returns to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, where judges must determine whether the evidence used against Andrew meets the standard for rendering her trial fundamentally unfair.

If the appellate court upholds the conviction, Andrew’s legal options may be exhausted, leaving clemency from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt or the parole board as her last resort.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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Oklahoma

Matt Campbell takeaways ahead of Iowa State football vs Oklahoma State

Published

4 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Press Room

Matt Campbell takeaways ahead of Iowa State football vs Oklahoma State

AMES — It’s the final week of the 2025 regular season, and Iowa State football is gearing up for a road matchup against Oklahoma State.

The Cyclones (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) will take on the Cowboys (1-10, 0-8 Big 12), as Matt Campbell’s squad looks to finish out the regular season on a high note. Each of the last nine matchups between these two teams – dating back to 2015 – was decided by seven points or fewer, but this game might not follow that trend.

Despite some of Iowa State’s struggles this year, the Cyclones are a heavy favorite, considering that Oklahoma State sits in sole possession of last place in the Big 12.

Here are three takeaways from Campbell’s media availability ahead of the Cyclones’ matchup against Oklahoma State.

Iowa State won’t underestimate Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have yet to beat a conference opponent this season, and they’ve won just one game all year. But Campbell isn’t underestimating Oklahoma State.

He understands the Cowboys will be fighting to prove something in their last game of the year – and on senior day, no less. That’s why Campbell expects a test for his Cyclones, despite the Cowboys’ record.

“When you watch this Oklahoma State team – and all you’ve gotta do is watch the last two games – how these kids are playing, it’s a tribute to their leadership in their locker room. It’s a tribute to the attitude and effort, and we know what Oklahoma State football is all about.”

Caleb Bacon will return next season

The Cyclones’ star linebacker may be listed as a redshirt senior on the roster, but he didn’t take part in Iowa State’s senior day ceremony – held before the game against Kansas. And there’s no question that he’ll be back in Jack Trice Stadium next year.

“That was a quick determination,” Campbell said about Bacon taking a medical redshirt last season. “(He) will be back next year. So, there’s no determination. He’s a junior ready to go play senior football next year.”

Xavier Townsend could miss the last game of the year

The Iowa State wide receiver could miss the final game of the season, with Campbell sharing that Townsend has been battling through a wrist injury.

“I don’t know what his availability will be this week,” Campbell said. “I would probably say leaning more towards doubtful than hopeful. (We’re) trying to figure out what exactly we need to do with that, and is it something that can heal without surgery.

“He’s battled it here the last couple of weeks, and X has done a great job battling through it and trying to give us everything he’s got.”

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma High school football semifinal dates, times and locations are set

Published

21 hours ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma High school football semifinal dates, times and locations are set

OKLAHOMA CITY –

We have reached the semifinals of the Oklahoma high school football playoffs. The OSSAA has set the dates, times and locations for all semifinal games for all classes.

CLASS 6A-I

Bixby vs Broken Arrow – Friday, 11/28, 1 pm at Catoosa High School
Owasso vs Jenks – Friday, 11/28. 7 pm at Catoosa High School

Catoosa High School will host both 6A-I semifinals this Friday, November 28th. Bixby/Broken Arrow will kickoff at 1 pm, followed by Owasso/Jenks at 7 pm.

November 21, 2025 10:37 PM

CLASS 6A-II

Stillwater vs Choctaw – Friday, 11/28, 1 pm at Edmond North High School
Sand Springs vs Putnam City – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Edmond North High School

Edmond North High School will host both 6A-II semifinals this Friday, November 28th. Stillwater/Choctaw will kickoff at 1 pm, followed by Sand Springs/Putnam City at 7 pm.

CLASS 5A

Lawton MacArthur vs Bishop McGuinness – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Noble High School
Carl Albert vs Newcastle – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Norman North High School

The 5A semifinals will be at two different sites this Friday, November 28th. Lawton MacArthur/Bishop McGuinness will be played at Noble High School, while Carl Albert/Newcastle will be played at Norman North High School. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm.

CLASS 4A

Elgin vs Cushing – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Putnam City North High School
Tuttle vs Broken Bow – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at East Central University

The 4A semifinals will be played at two different sites next Friday, December 5th. Elgin/Cushing will be played at Putnam City North High School, and Tuttle/Broken Bow will be played at East Central University. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm.

CLASS 3A

Heritage Hall vs Lincoln Christian – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Bristow High School
Sulphur vs Perkins-Tryon – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Norman North High School

The 3A semifinals will be played at two different sites next Friday, December 5th. Heritage Hall/Lincoln Christian will be played at Bristow High School, and Sulphur/Perkins-Tryon will be played at Norman North High School. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm.

CLASS 2A-I

Jones vs Marlow – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Noble High School
Washington vs Oklahoma Christian – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Yukon High School

The 2A-I semifinals will be played at two different sites next Friday, December 5th. Jones/Marlow will be played at Noble High School, and Washington/Oklahoma Christian will be played at Yukon High School. Both games will kick off at 7 pm.

CLASS 2A-II

Stroud vs Adair – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Ponca City High School
Davis vs Vian – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Harrah High School

The 2A-II semifinals will be played at two different sites next Friday, December 5th. Stroud/Adair will be played at Ponca City High School, and Davis/Vian will be played at Harrah High School. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm.

CLASS A-I

Pocola vs Tonkawa – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Catoosa High School
Pawhuska vs Rejoice Christian – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Oologah High School

The A-I semifinals will be played at two different sites next Friday, December 5th. Pocola/Tonkawa will be played at Catoosa High School, and Pawhuska/Rejoice Christian will be played at Oologah High School. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm

CLASS A-II

Fairland vs Talihina – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Beggs High School
Allen vs Hominy – Friday, 12/5, 7 pm at Edmond North High School.

The A-II semifinals will be played at two different sites next Friday, December 5th. Fairland/Talihina will be played at Beggs High School, and Allen/Hominy will be played at Edmond North High School. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm.

CLASS B-I

Laverne vs Pond Creek-Hunter – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Northwestern (Alva)
Hollis vs Dewar – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Alex High School

The B-I semifinals will be played at two different sites this Friday, November 28th. Laverne/Pond Creek-Hunter will be played at Northwestern in Alva, and Hollis/Dewar will be played at Alex High School. Both games will kickoff at 7 pm

CLASS B-II

Seiling vs Cherokee – Friday, 11/28, 1 pm at Northwestern (Alva)
Weleetka vs Okeene – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Jones High School

The B-II semifinals will be played at two different sites this Friday, November 28th. Seiling/Cherokee will be played at Northwestern in Alva at 1 pm, and Weleetka/Okeene will be played at Jones High School at 7 pm.

CLASS C

Timberlake vs Medford – Friday, 11/28, 7 pm at Watonga High School
Ryan vs Tipton – Friday, 11/28, 1 pm at Alex High School

The C semifinals will be played at two different sites this Friday, November 28th. Timberlake/Medford will be played at Watonga High School at 7 pm, and Ryan/Tipton will be played at Alex High School at 1 pm.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma 7-Eleven clerk, mom of 3, fired after shooting customer who attacked her: ‘I need to be here for my kids’

Published

2 days ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma 7-Eleven clerk, mom of 3, fired after shooting customer who attacked her: ‘I need to be here for my kids’

A brave Oklahoma 7-Eleven clerk was fired for shooting a customer, who tried to strangle her and threatened to “slice her head off” — because she used her own gun, violating the convenience store’s policy.

Stephanie Dilyard, 25, said she was working alone at the Oklahoma City 7-Eleven just after midnight on Nov. 14 when a man came in and tried to pay for a trove of junk food with a counterfeit $100 bill, KOKH reported.

The mother of three said that when she called the man out on the bill being bogus, he began threatening her and became erratic.

Stephanie Dilyard was fired for shooting a deranged customer who attacked her while working alone overnight at 7-Eleven. KOKH Fox 25

“He threatened me, and said he was gonna slice my head off, and that’s when I tried to call the police,” she recalled.

Dilyard said the brute started hurling objects at her before he rushed behind the counter and put his hands on her.

“I tried to run off, but he grabbed his hands around my neck, and pushed me out of the counter space, and that’s when I pulled out my gun and I shot him,” she said.

The suspect, Kenneth Thompson, fled the store after he was shot in the stomach. The 59-year-old made it a few blocks away from the 7-Eleven before calling 911.

The alleged violent fraudster was taken into custody at the hospital and charged with assault and battery, threatening acts of violence, attempting to pass counterfeit currency, and violating parole on an outstanding felony warrant.

Investigators ruled that Dilyard’s actions were justified under Oklahoma’s stand-your-ground law, which allows people to use deadly force when confronting an imminent threat of death or serious harm.

While authorities have cleared the 25-year-old mom, her employer fired her just days after the frightening ordeal on Nov. 17.

“They said that they were going to separate from employment because of a violation of policy,” Dilyard, who had been working the overnight shift alone from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. for more than two years, said.

Dilyard, who still had a scratch on her neck and burn marks on her finger from firing the gun, told the outlet that all she cared about when she was getting attacked was getting home to her kids.

“This was a situation where I felt like I was put into a corner between choosing between my job, and my life, and I’m always going to choose my life because there’s people that depend on me. Just, I’m going, I’m going home, you know. I need to be here for my kids,” she said.

A street view showing a 7-Eleven store with a red roof next to a — Investigators ruled that Dilyard’s actions were justified under Oklahoma’s stand-your-ground law, which allows people to use deadly force when confronting an imminent threat of death or serious harm. KOKH Fox 25

She hopes what she endured will drive changes that better protect clerks — especially women — and ensure they aren’t afraid to defend themselves when facing a life-or-death threat.

“If I’ve known that there’s a potential that somebody is for real on taking my life away that I will do whatever it takes, and I hope that women see that, and they’ll do the same thing,” she said.

“You have a right to defend yourself.”

Since losing her job, Dilyard has launched a GoFundMe to help her family with expenses while she’s out of work and said she had zero regrets for defending herself.

“We have no security, and we are not allowed to carry self defense weapons, including mace,” she wrote. “That’s is why I decided to carry in the first place.”

“I never expected for me to be in this situation, but I did what I had to do to go home to my kids. I was a good employee, committed and determined, but in-between a rock and a hard place I had to make a quick decision—lose my life, or lose my job,” she added.

The Post has reached out to 7-Eleven for comment.

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