‘We Have Been Through More Than Our Share’: Victim’s Family Speaks Out During Glossip Clemency Hearing

The clemency hearing for Death Row inmate Richard Glossip included tearful testimonies from family about what life has been like for the last 26 years without Barry Van Treese.

Related: Oklahoma Pardon And Parole Board Denies Clemency For Death Row Inmate Richard Glossip

Both Van Treese and Glossip's families agree his murder was heinous but disagree on who should pay for the crime.

Van Treese's family cheered and began crying tears of joy.

“We have been through more than our share as a family and we have stood together, and this proves to me what a true family is,” Donna Van Treese said.

Related: Family Of Victim In Richard Glossip Case Previously Talked About Impact Of Murder

During the clemency hearing, Van Treese's wife spoke about what it was like to raise young children without their father. The family also mentioned over time many wounds have healed, but recently the scabs were pulled back.

“We have heard everybody else's testimony today so far we do not feel justly represented,” Van Treese said.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a motion with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to vacate Glossip's conviction.:

“I want to acknowledge how unusual it is for the state to support a clemency application,” Drummond said.

Drummond and Glossip's counsel told the board after a comprehensive review Glossip should not be sentenced to death for this crime. They said there's evidence that's never been presented during either one of the trials regarding the man that killed Van Treese.

“Sneed discussed quote recanting his testimony and wanting to break his plea deal before and after the trial,” a member of independent counsel said.

“I was sickened that something like this could happen in the state of Oklahoma,” Rep. Kevin McDugle said.

Several members of Glossip’s council said the man that should be charged with the death penalty is the killer Justin Sneed.

Related: 'There's So Many Things With This Case That Are Just Wrong': Rep. McDugle On Glossip Case

“I must say again for this hearing that I did not know Justin Sneed's plan to commit any crime against Barry Van Treese and I would've never thought about paying anybody to commit a crime,” Richard Glossip said.

Glossip's execution is still set for May 18.