Clemency board said to be unreceptive

(McAlester-AP) -- Defense attorney Gloyd McCoy believes the clemency process in Oklahoma is a joke but he's not laughing.<br><br>Since Oklahoma restored the death penalty in 1990, the Oklahoma Pardon

Monday, May 29th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(McAlester-AP) -- Defense attorney Gloyd McCoy believes the clemency process in Oklahoma is a joke but he's not laughing.

Since Oklahoma restored the death penalty in 1990, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board hasn't granted any of the 19 requests for
clemency.

One of McCoy's clients, Gary Alan Walker, didn't bother with a hearing before his January 13th execution. He predicts more
death-row inmates will do the same.

Board member Currie Ballard of Langston has opposed clemency in every case since Governor Frank Keating appointed him 16 months ago.

Ballard says he understands the frustration but says the stakes are extremely high and that it's the ultimate question of humanity.

Board chairwoman Susan Bussey of Norman is the only current member of the five-person board who has voted for clemency.

James Glen Robedeaux, set to die by lethal injection Thursday, was the latest death row inmate to lose before the board.