Murder victim's family fighting execution of killer

Sunday, December 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

More than a decade ago he was convicted of killing four people in a Tulsa nightclub. Now Jerry McCracken is set to die for his crimes. But an unlikely supporter has come out against his execution.

News on Six reporter Ashli Sims says Jerry McCracken took their brother's life. Now, the victim's family is asking for McCracken's life to be spared. It's been 12 years, since Michael Smith's brother Steve Smith was killed by Jerry McCracken at the Ferndale Lounge.

It started as a robbery that ended with the murder of four people. During his trial, McCracken claimed his friend David Lawrence was actually the one to pull the trigger. But Lawrence cut a deal with the state and testified against McCracken sealing his fate. On death row, McCracken said he's found God. Last year, in an exclusive interview with the News on Six, he came clean about his crimes. He said the only thing he could offer victim's families was the truth.

Over the last few months, McCracken has written Michael Smith and his wife several letters and they believe he should not be executed. "Executing Jerry will not bring anyone back I've been pro- death penalty all my life but now itâ€™s not going to help me."

That's why Michael Smith is trying to help McCracken avoid the death penalty.