Julius Jones Granted Clemency, Sentence Changed To Life Without Parole

Julius Jones and his family are relieved after the governor granted Jones clemency hours before his scheduled execution Thursday.

Gov. Kevin Stitt lessened Jones’ sentence to life in prison without the possibility of ever getting parole.

This case has been moving through the legal system for 22 years since Jones was accused of killing Edmond businessman Paul Howell in front of his family.

Thursday’s moments of waiting for the governor's decision felt like an eternity for many on both sides.

Prayers and protests happened across Oklahoma for Jones’ scheduled execution.

From the state penitentiary in McAlester to the state capitol in Oklahoma City, many people felt somber and uncertain.

Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students also showed their support for Jones by walking out of their classrooms at Booker T. Washington, Will Rogers and Tulsa Schools of Arts and Sciences.

Just four hours before Jones was to die by lethal injection, Stitt commutes Jones' death sentence to life imprisonment without parole.

Stitt's executive order read that Jones "shall not be eligible to apply for or be considered for a commutation, pardon, or parole for the remainder of his life.”

Jones’ loved ones said they are relieved, but they believe Jones should not be in prison at all.

"It was not what we asked,” said Antoinette Jones, Jones' Sister. “It wasn't what the Pardon and Parole Board voted, but God, there is a reason. And I trust God, I trust the process."

Paul Howell’s family said they take comfort that the governor's decision affirms the guilt of Jones.

In a statement, the family said, “Julius Jones has forever changed our lives and the lives of his family and friends.”

Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor said his office is “greatly disappointed that after 22 years, four appeals, including the review of 13 appellate judges, the work of the investigators, prosecutors, jurors, and the trial judge have been set aside.”

Jones' supporters ended an emotional day with the hope that their voices were heard.

Madeline Davis-Jones, Julius’ mother, released the following statement today after the decision:

“For over twenty years, I have been haunted by the idea of watching my baby boy die in an execution chamber for a murder that occurred when he was home with his family. I am grateful that after today’s decision by the governor, that can no longer happen.

“I still believe that every day Julius spends behind bars is an injustice, and I will never stop speaking out for him or fighting to free him. But today is a good day, and I am thankful to Governor Stitt for that.”