Benjamin Cole is on death row in Oklahoma for the 2002 murder of his daughter Brianna and is scheduled for execution on October 20, 2022.

Executing Benjamin Cole in his severely debilitated physical and mental state would be an inhumane spectacle beneath our individual and collective dignity.  Read his clemency petition here.

Benjamin Cole has been diagnosed with severe and chronic schizophrenia with catatonia. His condition is compounded by a sizable brain lesion and other brain damage. Mr. Cole’s alarmingly weakened state and use of a wheelchair may relate to the brain lesion and possible Parkinsonism.

Mr. Cole’s history reveals an inability to cope in times of stress. He had no intention to harm his precious daughter. It was an impulsive act likely exacerbated by his brain abnormalities. It is no wonder, then, that his prosecutor did not believe Ben was one of the worst of the worst, deserving death—otherwise he would not have used the death penalty as a tool to try to plea bargain a life without parole sentence without having to go to trial. Unfortunately, Mr. Cole’s schizophrenia kept him from taking a deal.

Mr. Cole’s cognitive faculties are so compromised by his severe mental illness and brain damage his attorneys have initiated proceedings to have him declared incompetent to be executed. Unfortunately, the standard for showing such incompetency is extremely onerous. We pray for mercy, and shudder at the “extream inhumanity” and “miserable spectacle” the execution of Ben Cole would reveal. Ford v. Wainwright, 477 U.S. 399, 407 (1986).

Cole's execution is just one in a series of 25 executions scheduled by Oklahoma in the coming months, despite serious concerns around the state's lethal injection protocols and drugs.

Please sign the petition asking Governor Stitt and the Pardon and Parole Board to do everything within their power to ensure Mr. Cole does not face execution and to seek a path to clemency in the case.