Salesman Executed in Ballet Teacher’s Murder
- Share via
From Times Wire Reports
A traveling perfume salesman who beat a ballet instructor to death after she rebuffed his sales pitch was executed.
Jackie Lee Willingham, 33, was executed for the 1994 murder of Jayne Ellen Van Wey, 62, in Lawton, where she served as executive director of a group that promoted arts and dance. Van Wey was also a dance instructor.
“I want to apologize to the Van Wey family. I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused you. I hope by my death, you will find some closure,” Willingham said in his last words, the official said.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.