Gov. Stitt To Wait Until Clemency Hearing To Make Decision On Julius Jones Case

Governor Kevin Stitt announced he won’t make a final decision on the Julius Jones case until after his clemency hearing.

Stitt said he’s rejecting the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation to commute death row inmate Jones’ sentence because it’s not the “appropriate venue for our state to consider death row cases.”

“Clemency hearings are more intensive and thorough than a commutation hearing and include the option for the inmate to speak publicly before the Pardon and Parole Board as well as the victim’s family and attorneys from both sides,” Stitt said in a statement.

The Pardon and Parole Board recommended earlier this month that Jones’ sentence be reduced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

Related Story: Pardon & Parole Board Recommends Commutation For Julius Jones

Jones was convicted in a 1999 murder of an Edmond businessman, but Jones’ case for commutation has garnered national attention.

An execution date has been set for Jones in November.

Related Story: Execution Date Set For Death Row Inmate Julius Jones

Even though the Pardon and Parole Board can recommend action, the decision falls to the governor.

This is a developing story.