Julius Jones’ family and supporters are putting pressure on Oklahoma’s governor to issue clemency for tomorrow’s pending execution
Stitt hasn’t said whether he’ll accept it or not.
At a news conference on Wednesday night, Jones’ mother, Madeline Davis-Jones, described her son’s scheduled execution as an execution.
“If you think Julius is guilty, give him a fair trial. Do it again, do it right!” Davis-Jones said as the crowd erupted into applause. “If my child is executed tomorrow or any day, it will certainly happen. There is no doubt.”
“This governor has nothing to pray for, he has a decision to make,” Jones-Davis said. “Governor, you still have a chance, you still have time. You have time Governor Stitt to do this right.”
CNN has reached out to Governor Stitt’s office and received no response.
Wednesday’s press conference comes after years of protesting against Jones’ death penalty. Jones received the death sentence nearly 20 years after he was convicted for the 1999 murder of Paul Howell, who was shot during a carjacking as he ran into his parents’ driveway with his adult sister and two daughters. Jones, his attorney and advocates, are innocent.
Support for Jones has also spread internationally, with representatives from the European Union writing to the governor of Oklahoma.
“Over the past 21 years, both the state and federal justice systems have been involved in scrutinizing this case,” the website says. “The courts have heard many appeals of various forms and levels from Julius Jones. They found no claim requiring relief.”
Now, whether Jones is executed or pardoned is up to Stitt. If the latter, Jones’ sentence will be reduced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.