Man executed for 1996 murder of Oklahoma dance student.
Oklahoma Executes Inmate for 1996 Murder of University Student
In a long-awaited resolution, Oklahoma put an end to a decades-old murder case by executing Anthony Sanchez for the killing of Juli Busken, a University of Oklahoma dance student. The case remained unsolved for years until DNA evidence from the crime scene matched Sanchez, who was already serving time for burglary.
The execution took place at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, where Sanchez received a three-drug injection. Surprisingly, he chose not to present a clemency application to the state’s Pardon and Parole Board, which many saw as his last chance for a reprieve.
Sanchez was convicted of abducting, raping, and murdering Busken, a 21-year-old student from Benton, Arkansas. Her body was discovered near Lake Stanley Draper in Oklahoma City, showing signs of being bound, raped, and shot in the head.
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Years later, while serving time for burglary, DNA evidence from Busken’s clothing linked Sanchez to the crime. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death in 2006.
Busken, who had showcased her talent as a ballerina during her time at the University of Oklahoma, was honored with a dance scholarship in her name at the College of Fine Arts.
Sanchez’s new attorney, Eric Allen, requested a stay of execution, claiming the need for more time to review the case’s evidence. However, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the request, leading to Sanchez’s ultimate fate.
Throughout his time on death row, Sanchez consistently maintained his innocence. In a phone call with The Associated Press, he vehemently denied the DNA evidence, calling it fabricated and false.
Sanchez chose not to seek clemency, citing the low likelihood of Governor Kevin Stitt granting it. He expressed frustration, having witnessed other inmates receive both clemency and denial.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond firmly asserted that the DNA evidence undeniably linked Sanchez to Busken’s murder. The chances of randomly selecting an individual with the same genetic profile were estimated at 1 in 94 trillion among Southwest Hispanics.
Despite claims of potential contamination and miscommunication regarding the strength of the evidence, a private investigator hired by an anti-death penalty group, former Cleveland County District Attorney Tim Kuykendall, affirmed that all evidence pointed solely to Sanchez.
Oklahoma’s resumption of the death penalty in 2021 marked the end of a six-year moratorium due to concerns over execution methods. The state had previously faced issues with incorrect lethal drugs, highlighting the need for improved protocols.
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The brutal crime occurred on September 6, 1996, when Busken was kidnapped from her apartment parking lot. Sanchez forced her into her own car at knifepoint and drove her to a remote location, where he raped and murdered her. Her body was found two days later by an Oklahoma City police officer on patrol near the lake.
For years, the case remained open, haunting the community and Busken’s family. Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement, it seemed as though the person responsible for her death would never be found. However, in 2021, a breakthrough came when DNA evidence from the crime scene was tested and matched with Sanchez’s DNA profile.
Sanchez, who was already serving a 139-year sentence for a 1999 burglary conviction, was charged with first-degree murder, rape, and kidnapping. During the trial, the prosecution presented a wealth of evidence, including DNA, witness testimonies, and the victim’s belongings found in Sanchez’s possession.
After years of legal proceedings, appeals, and delays, the date of Sanchez’s execution was finally set for September 21, 2023. The state’s Pardon and Parole Board denied Sanchez’s request for clemency, leaving him with no further legal options for reprieve.
On the day of the execution, Sanchez was brought to the execution chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, where he was administered a three-drug cocktail. He remained defiant till the end, refusing to express any remorse for his actions. Witnesses stated that his last words were a profanity-laden statement, directed at the victim’s family.
The execution of Anthony Sanchez brings a sense of closure to the Busken family and the community at large. It serves as a reminder that justice can prevail even after decades have passed. The case also highlights the importance of advancements in DNA technology, which played a crucial role in identifying and convicting the perpetrator.
While the execution may bring a sense of relief for some, it also sparks debates about the ethical implications of capital punishment. The practice remains highly controversial, with proponents arguing for its deterrent effect and retribution, while opponents emphasize the risk of wrongful convictions and the inhumane nature of the punishment.
As Oklahoma closes the chapter on this long-standing murder case, questions surrounding the efficacy and morality of the death penalty persist. The execution of Anthony Sanchez may provide temporary resolution, but it also serves as a catalyst for further discussion on the intricacies of criminal justice and the ultimate price of a life lost.
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