(AP) — Oklahoma has executed a man in the 2001 rape and murder of his girlfriend’s mother.

The state’s parole board had recommended that Brian Darrell Davis have his sentence reduced to life without parole, but Gov. Mary Fallin rejected the request for mercy. A spokesman for the governor said “justice is being served.”

The 39-year-old died Tuesday night at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

Prosecutors said Davis stabbed 52-year-old Josephine Sanford six times, broke her jaw and left marks around her neck. Davis was convicted of rape after jurors considered DNA evidence.

Four members of the Pardon and Parole Board voted this month to recommend a life sentence. Attorney General Scott Pruitt said afterward the board usurped the jury’s decision and said Davis deserved to die for a brutal crime.