An Oklahoma man, whose execution has been repeatedly postponed, including three instances where he consumed his “last meals,” has found an unexpected supporter in his bid to overturn his murder conviction.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican, argues that prosecutors concealed evidence during Richard Glossip’s trial for the 1997 murder-for-hire of his boss. Glossip’s legal team will present their case before the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking a new trial. “If he is executed, it will be a travesty of justice,” Drummond stated.
In 1998, Glossip, now 61, was convicted of the murder but an appeals court overturned the conviction due to ineffective defense counsel. He was found guilty of first-degree murder in a second trial in 2004.
Today in #oklaed, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond released remarks regarding the Statewide Charter School Board’s petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider its case for the proposed St. Isidore Catholic Charter School.
Context: 🧵https://t.co/jOpqGSPoTc
— Sasha Ndisabiye (@NdisabiyeSasha) October 7, 2024
Drummond cited a thorough independent investigation, stating that prosecutors violated Brady by withholding potentially exculpatory evidence and breached Napue by allowing false testimony, thus denying Glossip due process.
Glossip has maintained his innocence in the 1997 killing of his former boss, motel owner Barry Van Treese, in Oklahoma City. Justin Sneed, who admitted to robbing and killing Van Treese, testified that he acted on Glossip’s promise of $10,000 in payment.
Sneed, who received a life sentence in exchange for his testimony, was the key witness against Glossip. “Oklahomans deserve to have absolute faith that the death penalty is administered fairly and with certainty,” Drummond remarked. He added that executing a man based on a compromised witness’s testimony does not serve justice.
Drummond, while not believing in Glossip’s innocence, contends that he did not receive a fair trial. He highlighted concerns that prosecutors were aware Sneed lied about his psychiatric condition and his use of the mood-stabilizing drug lithium.
The chief prosecutor also mentioned that a box of evidence was destroyed, including motel receipts, a shower curtain, and masking tape, which Glossip’s attorney, Don Knight, claimed could have proven Glossip’s innocence. Since his death sentence, Glossip’s execution date has been altered nine times, he has been given three “last meals,” and he has married twice.
Former Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, who reviewed Glossip’s case multiple times, remains convinced of Glossip’s guilt. He urged the state’s Pardon and Parole Board to deny clemency, despite the original case being prosecuted by his predecessors.
“I reviewed that case more than once and found nothing to question the integrity of the conviction and death sentence,” Prater told the AP. A decision is anticipated by early summer.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC4 Utah reports on Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip, who has been granted a new Supreme Court appeal after enjoying three ‘last meals,’ seeking freedom despite nine scheduled executions.(read more)
- KTVE reports on Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip, who has had three “last meals” while awaiting execution, now seeking freedom through a new Supreme Court bid.(read more)
- Fox News reports Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond supports a new trial for death row inmate Richard Glossip, citing hidden evidence and compromised witness testimony, raising concerns about justice and fairness.
The unique angle of the article emphasizes the unexpected alliance between the attorney general and Glossip, highlighting potential flaws in the original trial proceedings. Key points include the Brady violation, Napue violation, and the compromised testimony of key witness Justin Sneed, which are central to Drummond’s case for a new trial. The article also underscores the long and complex history of Glossip’s case, including multiple execution dates and the recent Supreme Court involvement. Overall, it presents a nuanced and critical perspective on the application of the death penalty, questioning its fairness and integrity.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why has Richard Glossip’s execution been postponed multiple times?
His execution has been postponed due to concerns about withheld evidence and unfair trial claims.
Who is the key witness against Richard Glossip?
The key witness is Justin Sneed, who admitted to the killing but claimed Glossip promised him $10,000.
What does Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond believe about Glossip’s trial?
Drummond believes prosecutors hid evidence and allowed false testimony, compromising Glossip’s right to a fair trial.
What evidence was destroyed that could have potentially proven Glossip’s innocence?
A box of evidence including motel receipts, a shower curtain, and masking tape was destroyed.
What does former Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater believe about Glossip’s conviction?
Prater believes the conviction and death sentence are sound and has urged against clemency.