Pro-Tem Hilbert Comments on Clemency Denial for Eizember

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, last week issued a statement about the denial of clemency for convicted killer Scott Eizember by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in a 3-2 vote.

Eizember is now scheduled to be executed by lethal injection January 12 for the 2003 slayings of A.J. and Patsy Cantrell in Depew.

He also attacked and beat Carla Wright and shot her grandson Tyler Montgomery before leading law enforcement on a weekslong manhunt.

Hilbert said in his statement: “The Pardon and Parole Board made the proper and just decision today in denying clemency to Scott Eizember.

“For those of us who live and grew up in Creek County, we all remember where we were and what we were doing on October 18, 2003, when our entire world was turned upside down by the horrific crimes committed against Eizember’s victims. For weeks we lived on edge as Eizember was on the run. The terror he inflicted back then reverberates even today. … [H]his defense attorneys attempted to blame the very victims of the crimes for the atrocities committed against them. Thankfully, when justice is served in January, the families will no longer have to listen to these despicable arguments.

“I and many others will continue to pray for the Cantrell and Wright families as this awful chapter in their lives inches closer to an end.”

The Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OK-CADP) noted, in a December 7 press release, “Eizember appeared at the hearing by video link and apologized to the victims and their families.”

The group’s chairman, Rev. Don Heath of Edmond, reflected in a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK.com, “Scott Eizember’s actions caused much pain and tragedy. He is 61 years old. He is no longer a threat to society. For the State to kill him only compounds violence and tragedy.”

Note: House Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert serves District 29 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Creek and Tulsa counties. CapitolBeatOK.com Publisher Pat McGuigan contributed to this report, working with earlier stories as well as a press release from the state House communications staff.