Henry Denies Clemency To Death Row Inmate

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Governor Brad Henry denied clemency Monday to death row inmate Donald L. Gilson, clearing the way for the convicted killer's scheduled execution on May 14 at the State Penitentiary in McAlester.

In a 3-2 vote last month, the State Pardon and Parole Board recommended that Gilson be granted clemency and his sentence be reduced to life in prison without parole.

Since then, Governor Henry has reviewed all documents and information related to the recommendation in addition to interviewing prosecution and defense attorneys involved in the case.

"I take all clemency recommendations very seriously and I gave this matter the thorough deliberation it deserved," said Governor Henry. "At the end of my review, I decided that this case did not merit clemency and a commutation of the jury's sentence."

During Governor Henry's term in office, the State Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency for six death row inmates. The governor has approved only two such recommendations, commuting the sentences to life in prison without parole.