For Immediate Release:
April 24, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Montgomery, Ala) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued the following 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. 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. 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.“
Attorney General Marshall cleared the execution to commence at 6:12 p.m.
James Osgood’s time of death was 6:35 p.m.
Legal Summary: State of Alabama v. James Osgood
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.
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