![]() ![]() "This is the cold machinery of the Death Penalty in America. Major names like reality star Kim Kardashian West, who has become a criminal justice advocate, and Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, called for justice in Jones' case. Stitt's silence over the intervening weeks prompted last-minute appeals from family members, activists and celebrities. Stitt's Thursday order states that Oklahoma law does not permit the parole board to recommend that a death sentence be commuted to life with the possibility of parole, citing a specific article in the state constitution. Questions over Jones' role in Howell's murder led the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to recommend this month that his death sentence be commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Attorneys fighting for his freedom say the case leading to his conviction was seriously flawed. Jones has always maintained his innocence. Jones, 41, was sentenced to death for the 1999 shooting death of Paul Howell in Edmond, Okla. "After prayerful consideration and reviewing materials presented by all sides of this case, I have determined to commute Julius Jones' sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole," Stitt announced. Stitt reduced Jones' sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, intervening before his scheduled lethal injection but falling short of the state parole board's recommendation. Kevin Stitt has commuted the death sentence of Julius Jones, after mounting public pressure and just hours before he was set to be executed. ![]() Oklahoma Department of Corrections via AP The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended this month that Julius Jones' death sentence be commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole. ![]()
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