Oklahoma's first execution of 2004

(McAlester-AP) -- Convicted murderer Tyrone Darks was pronounced dead at 6:08 p-m after being given a lethal injection. <br><br>He was executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester Tuesday night

Wednesday, January 14th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(McAlester-AP) -- Convicted murderer Tyrone Darks was pronounced dead at 6:08 p-m after being given a lethal injection.

He was executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester Tuesday night for shooting his ex-wife, Sherry Goodlow, to death in 1994.

Before the execution began, Darks' mother, Judy McClendon, walked to her seat in the death chamber. She yelled, ``Rejoice! You are going to see Jesus.''

Darks told his mother, two sisters and attorney that he loved them.

Goodlow's father, Joe, and her sister, Monet Goodlow, say they are relieved the execution is over so they can go on with their lives.

An appeals court had stayed the execution last week, but the US Supreme Court gave its approval Tuesday and let the execution continue as planned.

Darks was the first inmate put to death in Oklahoma this year. Fourteen people were executed in 2003.