Governor Kevin Stitt announced late Tuesday he would be waiting for Julius Jones’ clemency hearing before making a decision on the death row inmate’s fate. Jones was convicted of the 1999 slaying of Paul Howell. Since then, Jones has claimed his representation during trial was inadequate and he is innocent. His cause has caught the attention of celebrities and raised the ire of prosecutors and Howell’s family.
The Pardon and Parole Board recently voted to recommend commutation. Stitt will not follow that recommendation, but instead wait for Jones’ clemency hearing.
“I am not accepting the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation to commute the sentence of Julius Jones because a clemency hearing, not a commutation hearing, is the appropriate venue for our state to consider death row cases.
“Clemency hearings are more intensive and thorough than a commutation hearing and include the option for the inmate to speak publicly before the Pardon and Parole Board as well as the victim’s family and attorneys from both sides.
“The precedent in Oklahoma is for death row inmates to receive the clemency hearings to which they are entitled prior to their execution date,” said Stitt in a statement announcing his decision.
The Justice for Julius Facebook page issued a response shortly after the governor’s announcement.
“We are disappointed in Governor Kevin Stitt’s decision to deny Julius’ recommendation for commutation. The governor has made it clear this is about process, not about Julius’ case for innocence.
“Julius’ legal team is prepared to make the same compelling case for innocence at a 10/26 clemency hearing to the Oklahoma Pardon & Parole Board,” said the organization.
Death row inmates are provided a clemency hearing at least 21 days before their execution date. The Court of Criminal Appeals set Jones’ date for November 18th, 2021.
