A death row inmate’s final words were filled with remorse as he begged for forgiveness from the woman whose life he shattered 20 years ago.
Wendell Arden Grissom, 56, used his last moments to express deep regret for the tragic events he caused in 2005.
The Tragic Event and Grissom’s Final Apology
On November 3, 2005, Grissom, who did not know the victims, broke into Dreu Kopf’s home in Watonga, Oklahoma, during a robbery.
Grissom shot and killed Kopf’s best friend, 23-year-old Amber Matthews, as she attempted to shield Kopf’s two young daughters.
In a shocking moment of violence, Matthews was fatally shot while trying to protect the children, and Grissom fled the scene with his accomplice.
Fast forward to March 20, 2025, as Grissom faced his death penalty.
On the gurney, he expressed his sorrow for the pain he caused, offering a heartfelt apology.
“I regret so much that I’ve put that hatred in your heart for me,” he said, acknowledging that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he committed the crime.
Despite knowing he didn’t deserve forgiveness, Grissom prayed for the victims to forgive him for their own peace, not for his sake.
The Lasting Impact on Dreu Kopf and Her Family
For Dreu Kopf, the apology came far too late. She, along with her daughters, had watched Grissom’s execution, but the emotional scars from that fateful day in 2005 still remain.
Kopf shared that she lived in constant fear for years after the attack. “I was always scared.
If someone knocked on the door, I would call 911… I would think there would be another shooting,” she said.
Kopf’s daughter, Rylee, now 20, revealed how her mother struggled with fear following the attack, often calling her father numerous times a day to make sure she was not alone.
The psychological toll of the incident had lasting effects on Kopf, leaving her paralyzed by fear.
The Violent Crime That Led to Grissom’s Conviction
Grissom’s violent crime occurred after he had been drinking whiskey with an accomplice, Jessie Johns.
The two had planned to commit a robbery, and they randomly chose Kopf’s home as their target.
Grissom shot his way into the house, laughing as he did so. During the chaos, Matthews was killed, and Kopf suffered multiple gunshot wounds as she tried to escape.
Despite his initial confessions to police, Grissom showed little remorse at first.
His death sentence was carried out, with Grissom spending his final moments offering apologies and expressing his faith.
Although Grissom admitted he wasn’t worthy of forgiveness, he shared his belief that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice extended to everyone, including him.
Grissom’s Final Hours and the Execution Process
In his final moments, Grissom’s last meal was a medium thick-crust Canadian Bacon Supreme pizza, vanilla ice cream, and a pint of Coke.
His execution was carried out smoothly, and he appeared to face his death bravely, as noted by Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe.
Grissom exhaled several times and was declared unconscious about five minutes into the process.
As the lethal drugs took effect, the family and friends of Matthews watched on, marking the end of a painful chapter.
Grissom’s accomplice, Johns, continues to serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
This tragic story of violence and remorse ended with Grissom’s execution, leaving behind a community forever impacted by the loss and trauma he caused.