Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted Jones’ sentence to life without the possibility of parole just four hours shy of his execution and said he will never be eligible for further commutation, pardon or parole. But Jones’ family vowed to keep fighting for his release.
Julius Jones, 41, had been scheduled to be executed on Nov. 18. The governor’s ruling means Jones will now spend the rest of his life in prison.
The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has voted to recommend clemency for a second man on death row over concerns about the state’s ability to carry out humane executions.
On the heels of the execution of John Grant, Jones’ fate now rests in the hands of Gov. Kevin Stitt.
John Marion Grant, convicted of killing a prison cafeteria worker, convulsed and vomited as he was executed on Thursday.
Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor said the state will appeal stays in the executions of John Marion Grant and Julius Jones to the U.S. Supreme Court.
It was the first time the board has held a commutation hearing for an inmate facing the death penalty. Now, as Jones faces execution in as little as two months, his fate lies with Gov. Kevin Stitt, who must ultimately decide whether to commute his sentence.
Oklahoma hasn’t attempted an execution since a series of bungled attempts ushered in a six-year moratorium on capital punishment. Now it says it’s ready to execute seven men in three-week intervals beginning as early as next month.
