Alabama Executes James Osgood

April 24, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL - On Thursday evening, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey told Corrections Commissioner John Hamm that she would not exercise her clemency powers and directed him to execute James Osgood' for the 2010 capital murder of Tracy Lynn Wilemon (Brown).

"The murder of Tracy Wilemon was premeditated, gruesome and disturbing, and tonight, the state carried out the death sentence of James Osgood," said Gov. Ivey after the execution. "Both Mr. Osgood and his accomplice – who will never see the light of day – from the moment they were inspired by a Hollywood torture scene, set out to commit this heinous crime against Ms. Wilemon and are now paying the price. And let's be clear: At the end of all of this, Mr. Osgood robbed Ms. Wilemon of her life, something that can never be reversed for her or her family. I pray that her loved ones can feel some sense of closure today."

Governor Ivey reported that the time of death was 6:35 p.m.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) issued a statement tonight after the execution of James Osgood by lethal injection at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama.

"Nearly fifteen years ago, James Osgood committed an unspeakable act of violence brutally raping and murdering Tracy Brown," said Marshall. "A jury of his peers found him guilty, and unanimously recommended the ultimate punishment: death."

"Tonight, my heart and prayers are with Tracy's family," continued Marshall. "No one should have to endure the pain they've carried or relive the horror of her tragic and senseless death. I want them to know that the State of Alabama stands with them. We are unwavering in our commitment to seek justice, not only to hold the guilty accountable, but to honor the dignity of every victim and restore peace to the communities they leave behind."

On October 18, 2010, the body of Tracy Brown was discovered in her residence in Chilton County, Alabama, after her employer became concerned when she failed to report to work. Brown had last been seen on October 17 in the company of James Osgood and his girlfriend, Tonya Vandyke.

Law enforcement initiated an investigation that led to the execution of search warrants at Osgood's residence and vehicle. During the investigation, a statement was obtained from an individual incarcerated with Vandyke, who reported that Vandyke had admitted to involvement in Brown's murder. Upon being presented with this information, Osgood voluntarily confessed to the planning and execution of the crime, providing detailed information regarding the events leading up to and following Brown's death.

Osgood was indicted and prosecuted for two counts of capital murder, specifically, murder committed during the course of rape and murder committed during the course of sodomy. At trial, the State presented Osgood's confession along with other corroborating evidence. The jury unanimously found Osgood guilty on both counts and recommended the sentence of death. The trial court accepted the jury's recommendation and imposed the death penalty.

Following sentencing, Osgood pursued post-conviction appeals for several years. However, he ultimately admitted his guilt, waived further appeals, and requested that the State move forward with the issuance of a death warrant.