Bio

Donald Ray Wackerly II was born on October 8, 1969. He grew up in Muldrow, Oklahoma. Information about his childhood and family background is limited. As a young adult, Wackerly faced struggles that would affect his future.

He had a history of substance abuse, particularly involving methamphetamine. Reports indicate that his drug use escalated over the years, leading to severe addiction issues. Wackerly's life was marked by instability, which included legal troubles and conflict within his relationships.

In September 1996, Wackerly found himself in a situation that would lead to significant consequences in his life. He was married to Michelle Wackerly, who described their difficult circumstances and the pressures they faced. As their financial situation worsened, Wackerly often expressed a desperate need for money, which he communicated to his wife.

This became a pivotal moment in his life. On the evening prior to a tragic event, he told Michelle that they needed money and would do whatever it took to get it. The next day, they drove to a nearby area looking for someone to rob. This choice would ultimately change the direction of both their lives.

Three months after this fateful event, he was arrested in connection with a murder case. Throughout the legal proceedings, Wackerly maintained his innocence, claiming he had not committed the crime. His life would ultimately end in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, where he was executed on October 14, 2010.

Murder Story

On September 7, 1996, Donald Ray Wackerly II and his then-wife, Michelle, drove to a remote area near Muldrow, Oklahoma. They were looking for someone to rob. Wackerly armed himself with a .22 caliber rifle. They spotted Pan Sayakhoummane, a 51-year-old man, fishing by the Arkansas River.

When Sayakhoummane returned to his truck, Wackerly raised the hood of his Jeep and asked for help jump-starting the vehicle. Michelle knelt behind the Jeep as her husband confronted Sayakhoummane. She heard multiple gunshots, estimated to be seven to eight, and upon stand ing up, she saw Sayakhoummane's body on the ground.

Wackerly then placed Sayakhoummane's body into the back of his pickup truck, took his fishing gear, and drove the truck a short distance. He discarded some of Sayakhoummane's fishing poles into the nearby woods. Afterward, he attempted to dispose of the truck by driving it into the river, but the vehicle remained partially submerged.

Later that evening, Wackerly went to a local fast-food restaurant with Michelle. The following day, a passerby discovered Sayakhoummane's body in the truck and notified the authorities.

For approximately three months, the case remained unsolved until Michelle, now estranged from Wackerly, contacted the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. She provided details of the events leading to Sayakhoummane's murder, implicating her husband. Her testimony was crucial, as it was supported by physical evidence, including the recovery of items owned by Sayakhoummane.

During the investigation, police found the murder weapon, the tackle box, and latex gloves at Wackerly's apartment. An owner of a pawn shop testified that Wackerly had pawned fishing reels belonging to Sayakhoummane shortly after the murder. Based on this evidence and Michelle's testimony, Wackerly was charged with first-degree murder and robbery.

In 1998, Wackerly was convicted and sentenced to death. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial. On October 14, 2010, he was executed by lethal injection. His last meal included pizza, a Dr. Pepper, and coconut cream pie. In his final moments, Wackerly recited a Buddhist mantra alongside monks in the execution chamber. He was pronounced dead shortly after the execution began.