Clemency for Julius Jones Is Bittersweet
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt halted the execution but stipulated Jones could never apply for a commutation, pardon or parole for the remainder of his life in prison.
Landwebs
Celebrations over the final-hour decision by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to halt the execution of death row inmate Julius Jones were short-lived as the announcement was followed by the discovery that the governor would not allow Jones the opportunity for parole and will spend the rest of his life in prison, reports the Oklahoman. The governor stipulated Jones could never apply for a commutation, pardon or parole for the remainder of his life in prison.
Jones has maintained his innocence of the 1999 shooting of Paul Howell, an Edmond insurance executive. He was sentenced to death in a 2002 trial. Howell’s family have ardently opposed a commutation of Jones’ sentence. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 on Nov. 1 to recommend the governor reduce Jones’ sentence to life in prison with the possibility for parole. The final decision of whether to accept, modify or reject the board’s recommendation rested with Stitt.
