"Brenda McElyea and Suzette Smith were working at the LaQuinta Inn in July 2001 when they were brutally murdered by Donald Grant. Today, Grant’s request for a recommendation of clemency was denied by the Pardon and Parole Board. Grant received a jury trial and, in 2006, received the sentence of death. This was a just and appropriate sentence for the brutal murders of two innocent women. This conviction and sentence was affirmed after years of thorough review by the appellate courts. I am grateful that the Board denied Grant’s request for executive clemency. Our thoughts and prayers are now with the families of Brenda McElyea and Suzette Smith,” said Attorney General John O'Connor.