Okla executes man in 1986 death of wife

The state of Oklahoma has executed Garry Thomas Allen, 25 years after he shot his estranged wife at their children's daycare center, witnesses say. The 56-year-old inmate's execution Tuesday evening had been twice postponed by concerns that he was not sane enough to be put to death, the McAlester (Okla.) News-Capital reported. Those questions were raised again in the moments before his execution. With a small crowd of witnesses watching in an adjoining room, Allen spoke for several minutes, alternating between unintelligible garble and commenting on the presidential voting and Jesus. After four minutes, Deputy Warden Art Lightle ordered the execution to begin. Allen was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. Allen had been convicted of the Nov. 21, 1986, murder of his 24-year-old wife, Lawanna Gail Titsworth. He also attempted to shoot a police officer who responded to the scene. Following the execution, the victim's family issued a written statement that said in part, "We are thankful to close the book on this chapter today, but we will never stop grieving the loss of Gail. has been an emotional roller coaster for our family and one we have endured far too long."